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Blood composition in culled elephants and buffaloes.
Journal of the South African Veterinary Association
|December 1, 1984
Summary
Stress from herding and darting with succinyldicholine causes significant changes in elephant and buffalo blood composition, including elevated ACTH and cortisol. These physiological stress responses may persist longer in elephants.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Wildlife Biology
- Animal Physiology
Background:
- Assessing the physiological impact of capture and handling on wildlife is crucial for conservation efforts.
- Understanding stress markers in large mammals aids in refining wildlife management techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare blood composition in succinyldicholine-culled elephants and buffaloes with undisturbed animals.
- To identify stress-induced physiological changes in these species.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples were collected from elephants and buffaloes subjected to culling procedures (herding, darting with succinyldicholine, asphyxia).
- Blood parameters, including plasma ACTH and cortisol, were analyzed.
- Blood oxygen tensions were extrapolated to estimate stress perception duration.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant differences were observed in several blood variables between culled and undisturbed animals.
- Elevated plasma ACTH and cortisol concentrations indicated a significant stress response.
- Blood oxygen tensions suggested prolonged stress perception, potentially longer in elephants than buffaloes.
Conclusions:
- The combination of herding, succinyldicholine darting, and asphyxia induces substantial physiological stress in elephants and buffaloes.
- Stress indicators suggest a prolonged stress experience, with elephants potentially experiencing longer durations.
- These findings highlight the need for humane wildlife management and capture protocols.