Vets treat the elephant that was sedated with Xylazine and Ketamine in Dhupjhora

Alipurduar, Dec. 1: A shortage in the supply of Immobilon used to tranquillise wild animals has put the forest department in a spot. The department fears the crisis will not be solved in the near future as the producers of the drug in Pune and Bhopal have failed to give any assurance

In October, there were at least two cases of rhinos straying out of Gorumara National Park, 110km from here, and entering fringe villages.

Both the times, the vets were told to be ready with tranquillisers, but at the last moment, the plan was abandoned because of a shortage of Immobilon. The forest staff had no option but to chase it the animals and drive them back into the forest.

In Dhupjhora forest, which is part of the national park, an elephant was found limping because of an injury. In the absence of Immobilon, tranquilliser expert Subroto Pal Choudhury had to use three darts of Xylazine and Ketamine within half an hour. The elephant was sedated and the vets treated it while it stood standing.

“If it was Immobilon, the animal would have been knocked out by a single dart. In that way, it would have been easier to treat the animal,” said a vet.

Currently, an injured rhino is roaming in Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary. But in the absence of Immobilon, it will be difficult to treat it even if it is traced.

According to a veterinary officer, the tranquilliser is effective for big animals like rhinos, elephants and sambar, which usually stray into human habitation during the dry season that starts in October and ends in March. Water scarcity and forest fire are the two main reasons for straying.

According to vets, Xylazine takes at least half an hour to work. Not only that, sometimes the animal may look as if it has gone to sleep, but may strike if the forest staff go near it. Immobilon in that way is safer.

A 10ml ampoule of the tranquilliser costs nearly Rs 14,000. One ampoule can be used for four animals only.

S.B. Patel, the chief conservator of forest (wildlife, north) admitted that Immobilon was more effective that the other tranquillisers and that there was a scarcity of the drug.

“We have not been getting it for the past six months. There are no producers in our state. In case of the treatment of the injured elephant in Dhupjhora recently we had to use three darts of Xylazine and Ketamine within half an hour. Immobilon is costly but it is safe and effective.”