Behavioural Responses of Agile Wallabies (Macropus agilis) to Darting and lmmobilisation with Tiletamine Hydrochloride and Zolazepam Hydrochloride

Abstract

A total of 28 free-ranging agile wallabies (Macropus agilis) was immobilised with a combination of tiletamine hydrochloride and zolazepam hydrochloride. The drug was administered by projectile syringe fired from a gas-powered pistol. A dose of approximately 10 mg per kg body mass produced ataxia in 3.8 ± 0.4 min (mean ± s.e.), initial recumbency in 4.9 ± 0.5 min, and lateral recumbency in 7.9 ± 0.7 min after dart impact. Wallabies were calm throughout handling, showed good muscle relaxation and started to regain consciousness after 53 ± 3 min. Recovery of mobility took more than 240 min and appeared uneventful. Wallabies moved 41 ± 5 m after dart impact, after which they either groomed or fed until the drug took effect. Five wallabies sought shelter in nearby forest after darting and these were found 11 ± 3 m inside the forest boundary.