Capture of Sandhill Cranes Using Alpha-Chloralose

Abstract

From 1990-2001, we made 188 successful captures of 166 different greater sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis tabida) through experimental use of alpha-chloralose (AC). Most captures took place during September (72.3%; n = 136), followed by August (14.9%; n = 28), and October (12.8%; n = 24). Territorial pairs were captured more successfully than family groups. Overall morbidity (6.4%) and mortality (4.3%) were lower than most other capture techniques for sandhill cranes. Exertional myopathy (EM) was the most common complication observed using AC (3.7%). Sedation level (chi5(2) = 25.9, P < 0.01) and month of capture (chi2(2) = 12.3, P < 0.01) were both associated with the presence of EM in cranes captured with AC. A logistic regression model suggests lighter sedation and the months of August and October are potential risk factors for EM in sandhill cranes captured with AC in Wisconsin (USA).

Capture of Sandhill Cranes Using Alpha-chloralose: A 10-Year Follow-up

“…(Alpha-chloralose [C 6 H 11 Cl 3 O 6 ], is a chloral derivative of glucose that requires authorization for use by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, and consideration of potential drug withdrawal times in species that may be hunted.) This method is associated with lower morbidity and mortality rates than most alternatives used for small groups of cranes, such as rocket nets or leg nooses (Hayes et al 2003). Exertional myopathy (EM), however, is a potential complication of capture in cranes (Windingstad et al 1983).…”

“…Carefully narrowing the weeks when AC was used to capture sandhill cranes based on the analysis of Hayes et al (2003) was associated with modest improvement in efficacy of group capture events. We believe the improvement in capture efficacy is best explained by more predictable crane feeding behavior.…”

“…Exertional myopathy (EM), however, is a potential complication of capture in cranes (Windingstad et al 1983). An epidemiologic analysis by Hayes et al (2003) showed captures with AC that resulted in lighter sedation scores or were conducted in August or October (compared with September) were associated with increased risk of EM. Beginning in 2002, captures were limited to September and early October to reduce the risk of EM.…”

“…The general methodology for oral delivery of AC has been described (Bishop 1991;Hayes et al 2003). Capture efficacy (percentage of capture attempts when all cranes in a targeted social group were successfully immobilized), sedation score (scale of 1-5 modified from Hayes et al [2003]: 1 5 light, 2 5 light-moderate, 3 5 moderate, 4 5 moderate-deep, 5 5 deep/ very deep), prevalence of EM (based on clinical signs [Businga et al 2007] and postmortem analysis [Windingstad et al 1983]), and overall capture-related mortality were compared before and after management changes, 1990-2001 and 2002-2011, respectively. Time in confinement (elapsed time between capture and release) controlling for sedation score, prevalence of EM, and mortality were compared between birds that received up to 30 ml/kg subcutaneous lactated Ringer's solution (LRS) at capture and those that did not.…”

Superoxide Dismutase Expression and Oxidative Damage in a Case of Myopathy in Brown Pelicans (Pelecanus Occidentalis)

“…Numerous etiologies have been identified, including vitamin E and selenium deficiencies, ionophore toxicity, various plant toxicities, and inherited genetic defects involving cytoskeletal proteins. 12 Further, exertional or capture stress is well documented as causing severe myopathy in domestic 12,14 and wild animals 7,8,16,18 and often ends in death. These etiologies may vary in their microscopic presentation based on the stage of muscle degeneration or regeneration (monophasic vs. multiphasic lesions), which tends to be a direct reflection of exposure to the offending agent.…”