Habitat destruction, illegal hunting and livestock disease have endangered the marsh deer (Blastocerus dichotomus), largest neo-tropical deer, throughout its distribution area.In the state of São Paulo, Brazil, its last habitat in the Rio Tiete Valley was due to be flooded by the Tres Irmaõs hydroelectric dam.
The objective was to capture, using a net-gun from a helicopter, and translocate the last free-ranging marsh deer population to a captive breeding center and to private ranches.
Two missions were carried out :
The first to adjust the capture and tranquilizing technique to the habitat and the species.
The second, after the start of flooding, to rescue the remaining animals. Out of a population of about 180 animals, 158 were successfully caught, and training of Brazilian personnel in the technique of helicopter net-gun animal capture was carried out. The future strategy was to be conducted by CESP (São Paulo Electric Company).