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Stander, P.; Ghau, X.; Tsisaba, D.; Txoma, X.
A new method of darting: stepping back in time
1996 African Journal of Ecology (34): 48-53
Ju/'Hoan Bushmen have been hunting with bow and arrow for many thousands of years. The skill is still present among many hunters that live in Namibia. Through the involvement of a local Ju/'Hoan community in a behavioural ecology study a new technique of darting was developed. Ju/'Hoan hunters modified their traditional bow and arrow to deliver a drug dose for the immobilization of large carnivores. Six lions and 17 leopard were darted. The stealth and skill of the Ju/'Hoan hunters on foot led to the darting of four animals that were unapproachable by vehicle. During a test for reliability a grouping of less than 25 cm, from the centre of a target, was maintained, up to a distance of 30 metres.
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