Chemical immobilization of free-ranging dhole (Cuon alpinus), binturong (Arctictis binturong), and yellow-throated marten (Martes flavigula) in Thailand

No published information exists on the chemical immobilization of free-ranging dholes (Cuon alpinus), binturongs (Arctictis binturong), or yellow-throated martens (Martes flavigula). We chemically immobilized these species in Thailand using a mixture of ketamine hydrochloride with xylazine hydrochloride (KH–XH) and tiletamine hydrochloride with zolazepam hydrochloride (TH–ZH). Mean (±SD) dose of KH–XH was 18.1±5.3 and 0.9±0.1 mg/kg for dholes (n=2), 19.7±4.1 and 1.3±0.4 mg/kg for binturongs (n=8), and 28.7±3.3 and 1.1±0.1 mg/kg for yellow-throated martens (n=5), respectively. Mean dose of TH–ZH was 4.1±0.1 mg/kg for dhole (n=2). Induction time, duration of anesthesia, and recovery time were satisfactory for standard field research procedures including radio-collaring, although the effects on yellow-throated martens and binturongs were more variable. Respiration and muscle rigidity were monitored during sedation with no observed adverse physiological effects. Individuals were released after full recovery and monitored via radio telemetry for 4–23 months with no observed detrimental effects due to chemical immobilization. We conclude that KH–XH and TH–ZH are safe and effective immobilization agents for these carnivores; however, we suggest testing different KH–XH ratios and dosages, and other immobilizing agents for these species.