A maneuverable canopy net for capturing large tropical birds
Capturing tropical canopy birds is crucial for ecology and conservation but difficult with standard mist nets. This study presents a maneuverable, collapsible canopy net with a large area designed for safely catching large fruit-eating birds, successfully used in Cameroon to capture hornbills, turacos, and fruit pigeons.
Subject Tags
- Forest
- Life Sciences
- Wildlife
Abstract
Capturing birds of tropical rainforest canopies is important for answering many questions in ecology, evolution, and conservation, but canopy birds are often out of reach when using conventional mist-netting methods. Some methods exist to mist-net canopy birds, but modifications needed for target-capturing large frugivores are not well documented. Here, we describe a canopy netting method for capturing large, fruit-eating birds in rainforests. The methods presented here emphasize a large net area, maneuverability of netting, and collapsibility for safely preventing the escape of captured birds. During three different projects in the rainforests of Cameroon, this technique has resulted in the successful capture of hornbills (Bucerotidae), turacos (Musophagidae), and fruit pigeons (Columbidae). We recommend this technique for canopy bird research and encourage documentation of any modifications.
Citation
Russo, N.J., Holbrook, K.M., Dietsch, T., Forzi, F.A., Tekam, A.S. and Smith, T.B., 2024. A maneuverable canopy net for capturing large tropical birds. Journal of Field Ornithology, 95(1). https://doi.org/10.5751/JFO-00438-950113
TNC Authors
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Kimberly Holbrook
Manager of External Affairs, Africa
The Nature Conservancy
Email: kholbrook@tnc.org