Chemical immobilisation and satellite tagging of free‐living southern cassowaries. Issue 7 (July 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Campbell, HA; Dwyer, RG; Sullivan, S; Mead, D; Lauridsen, G
• Is Part Of: Australian veterinary journal. Volume 92:Issue 7(2014)
• Page Start: 240
• Page End: 245
• Publication Date: 2014-07
• Subjects: Veterinary medicine -- Australia -- Periodicals; Veterinary medicine -- Periodicals; Veterinary Medicine -- Periodicals; 636.089
• DOI: 10.1111/avj.12193
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0005-0423

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="avj12193-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Background</title> <p>The southern cassowary <italic>(Casuarius casuarius johnsonii)</italic> attains 1.8 m in height and over 80 kg in weight. These large birds are equipped with large claws and, although not a direct threat to humans, they have caused serious injury to handlers and members of the public.</p> </sec> <sec id="avj12193-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods and results</title> <p>This study describes chemical immobilisation, restraint, transport and post‐monitoring (satellite tracking) methodologies for adult and juvenile southern cassowaries, captured and released from their natural environment.</p> </sec> <sec id="avj12193-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>The described methods have improved the management and research opportunities for the southern cassowary and may be transferable to other species of large ratite.</p> </sec> </abstract>