Evaluation of a helicopter/dart‐gun technique for capturing chamois and attaching radio telemetry collars
Annotatsiya
Abstract The technique of capturing chamois ( Rupicapra rupicapra ) by firing tranquilliser darts from a helicopter was evaluated. Nine chamois were captured during three operations between September 1976 and May 1977. Animals were tranquillised with the drug fentanyl‐azaperone and jumped on from the helicopter. On average, two were caught per hour of operation. Radio transmitters in the 27 MHz frequency band were attached with a collar to each animal. After release animals sought refuge in the forest, but 2 weeks later had resumed normal behaviour. Capture success was attributed to the selection of cool, calm days in spring and autumn when animals occupied open spaces, and to the skill of the helicopter crew in darting and capturing the animals. Important limitations were the stress responses of chamois, the high cost of using helicopters, and a 25% death rate.