TAPIR FIELD VETERINARY MANUAL - Tapir Specialist Group

4.2. Important aspects to be considered
� The success of the chemical restraint of free-ranging tapirs depends on careful planning,
which should consider:
1. Basic characteristics of the anatomy, metabolism and physiology of the captured
species;
2. The environmental conditions of the location where the capture will take place;
3. The capture method that will be applied;
4. The available equipment that might be used during the capture process;
5. Estimates of the time required to carry out the biological sampling and clinical
procedures during the animal’s manipulation;
6. If there is need to translocate the animal from the original capture site;
7. The possibility of unexpected events interrupting or interfering with the chemical
restraint;
8. Detailed knowledge of the pharmacology, adverse effects and counter-indications
of the drugs that will be used for the chemical restraint.
� The determination of the individual’s exact corporal weight is one of the obstacles in the
chemical restraint of free-ranging tapirs. A wide safety margin is of major importance since
it is impossible to determine the exact body weight of the animals to be captured. The
calculation of predetermined doses for body weight estimates at 50 kg intervals is usually
safe enough for adult tapirs. The experience of the team with captive animals might
prove useful for more accurate body weight estimates.
� Chemical restraint should be performed during the milder parts of day, and the animal
must be monitored until it has fully recovered. After the manipulation, the animals should
be capable to perform all of their ecological functions. It is also necessary to
predetermine protocols for possible emergencies, as well as the destination of animals
that may eventually became wounded or present some critical clinic situation during the
capture process.
� The intramuscular administration of anesthetic agents can be applied on the side of the neck
or on the gluteal musculature, while subcutaneous administration is easier on the abundant
subcutaneous tissue behind the insertion of the ears, or on the dorsum between the scapulae.
� Once the anesthetic agents start to take effect, the head of the tapir should be positioned
below the body level to avoid aspiration in case of regurgitation. Tracheal tubing is difficult as
the head is long and narrow and the glottis is not visible, however is advisable to avoid
aspiration of gastric reflux. Blind intubation is possible with experience. Direct observation of
the larynx is possible with long laryngoscope blade. Tracheal tubes must be 10 to 14 mm for
juveniles and 16 to 24 mm for adults.