This book provides information on the capture of wild African animals in the field, their subsequent transportation to a place of release or temporary confinement, the design of accommodation facilities, and the care of the animals while they are in temporary confinement. For many species, care of orphaned youngsters is also described. While it does not deal specifically with animals in permanent confinement, many aspects of the book are also useful for zoo or safari-park situations. The general principles discussed in the first part of the book are applicable to animals throughout Africa and elsewhere. The species-specific section that follows focuses largely on southern African species, but does include species with a wider distribution.
Wider coverage is intended in future editions.
Where general principles apply, these are included in appropriate papers to reduce repetition. The book is intended for the person who has sufficient background to attempt the task at hand, but who has no knowledge of the particular species. It is also intended for people in remote areas who may not be able to call for help and who may have to attempt the job at hand based solely on the information contained in this book. Another purpose of the book is to make the appropriate information available to people who are unlikely to attempt the work themselves, but who employ others to do it for them. Armed with the appropriate information, they will be in a better position to ascertain whether or not the person doing the job is doing it in the correct manner.