6:30 am: Breakfast
8:00 am-2:00 pm: Field immobilization of free-ranging African wildlife
Instructors: Epaphras Alex and Donald Mpanduji leads
We assisted with the immobilization of wildlife species as determined by the lead veterinarian. I was on the roping team along with Jon (New York), Nate (California), Albert (Tanzania), Wilson (Tanzania), Vincent (Canada), David (India) and a few other locals who’s names I don’t remember.
Before heading out we had to practice our roping technique. After only two practice runs we went into the field. Nine of us were packed into a land rover. Needless to say, it was very hot and uncomfortable. It took only 30 minutes to find an affected giraffe (a large bull) in a suitable location. The darting team took the lead and fired their shot. We then waited, and waited. Eventually the giraffe started to wander towards a herd of elephants. Because elephants are so dangerous our car was charged with chasing the herd away. We zoomed off-road and behind made as much noise as possible while the elephants ran.
By the time we had completed our task, the giraffe was looking wobbly and a different team decided to try to rope it. As our car sped toward the action we watched as the roping team was dragged behind the large animal. We sped by the action and attempted to position ourselves where we would be able to catch up with the other ropers. Unfortunately we hit a ditch and the car stalled out. Moments later the wobbly giraffe stumbled along just a few feet from the vehicle. It was quite scary as I imagined the animal falling onto the SUV and crushing all of us. Once the danger passed we jumped out and assisted in bringing down the giraffe.
Once down we roped the legs and the sample team came in to do their jobs. In total the animal was down on the ground for only about 10 minutes. When the giraffe was gone all of the teams gathered to discuss the procedure and prepare for the next immobilization.
The second giraffe was even larger than the first. Though he was darted without any complications, the drugs did not seem to have any effect on the animal. We waited in the hot car for an hour and it seemed as though the giraffe was still wide awake. The lead veterinarian then decided we might was well try to rope it.
On our first attempt I was one of the people charged the rope in front of the giraffe. It was one of the most exhilarating experiences ever. Up close, giraffes are so incredibly large! Unfortunately, the bull was still much to strong for us to bring him down. He pulled free of our ropes each and every time. We chased the giraffe for close to an hour before the veterinarian decided to give another dose of the immobilizing drug (M99 – Etorphine).
Almost as soon as the dart was delivered the animal began star-gazing (head up to the sky) and having severe wobbles. The ropping team scattered as it became apparent the giraffe was going down on his own and no one wanted to be crushed. Luckily the animal fell on a barren piece of dirt and we were able to get our ropes around the legs. The rest of the procedure went smoothly and the giraffe was ok.
2:00 pm: Discussion of field exercise
3:00 pm: Tea and snacks
3:30-4:30 pm: Elephant Conservation in the Selous-Niassa Wildlife Corridor
Presenter: Donald Mpanduji, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, SUA
The Selous-Niassa wildlife corridor is a landscape linkage between Africa's largest protected areas: the Selous Game Reserve of Tanzania, (a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to Africa's largest elephant, buffalo, sable and other wildlife populations) and the Niassa Game Reserve of Mozambique, which is renowned for its large elephant population. Dr. Mpanduji detailed his research investigating elephant movements in the Selous - Niassa wildlife corridor, and discussed implications of his work and the challenges associated with transboundary conservation.
4: 45 – 6:00pm: Wildlife Diseases and Conservation in Tanzania
Presenter: Robert Fyumagwa, Veterinary Research Officer, Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI)
Fyumagwa, an Envirovet 2002 alumnus, discussed his responsibilities as a veterinarian and researcher for TAWIRI. He shared how Envirovet has shaped his professional experiences and how he has put his Envirovet training into practice. He also highlighted current research priorities.
7:00pm: Dinner
Evening: It was an early night for everyone as we were all exhausted from wrangling giraffes.
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