The study of wild exotic species occasionally requires immobilization for collection of biological samples and radio-collar placement. There is scant information available regarding immobilization of tapirs. The following characterizes our experience with immobilization of tapirs. Six adult Baird’s tapirs (Tapirus bairdii) estimated to weigh 240 ± 8.6 kg (mean ± SEM) were attracted to a capture area using ripe bananas as bait. Animals were darted from tree platforms using a CO2 pistol. Darts contained a mixture of butorphanol (0.21 ± 0.01 mg/kg) and xylazine (0.42 ± 0.02 mg/kg). Time from dart impact to first visible effect (3.5 ± 0.7 minutes) time to sternal recumbency (10.3 ± 1.7 minutes) and total immobilization times (56.0 ± 1.4 minutes) were recorded. Subjective depth of immobilization was assessed (palpebral reflex; ear movement, jaw tone). Additionally, temperature, ECG, SpO2, indirect BP and blood gas tension were monitored where possible. Bradycardia (range 35-108 beats/minute) and hypoxemia (range 82-100%) were implicated by the cardiopulmonary parameters measured. Ketamine (0.35 ± 0.05 mg/kg IV) was given when arousal was judged imminent (n=6), but no less than ten minutes prior to reversal. Tolazoline (4.7 ± 0.19 mg/kg IM) and naltrexone (0.73 ± 0.09 mg/kg IM) were used to reverse the effects of xylazine and butorphanol, respectively. Time to return to sitting (2.5 ± 0.56 minutes) and time to standing (4.7 ± 0.33 minutes) were recorded. The butorphanol/xylazine/ketamine combination has the potential to be an effective method of immobilizing free-ranging Baird's tapirs. Use of bananas as bait was crucial to success of the induction period.

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