The elevated mist-net frame - Supporting Information: Appendices S1-S4

Summary 

Classic standard mist-netting limits sampling to understory birds flying <3 m above ground-level. Methodological innovations targeting higher strata birds (and bats) are important for ecological studies, particularly in tropical forests.
I present and evaluate a method of applying elevated mist-net frames (EMF) up to ~25-30 m. I designed detachable mobile alloy frames for standard-sized 3×6 m mist-nets, weighing ~11 kg including fittings, and suspended by 3-point cable-wire mounting. State-of-the-art archery and fishing gear are employed for securing anchor-lines, with hoisting applied by pulley, ropes and guys.
EMF is assembled and detached by 2-3 team members within 15-20 minutes, and up-down hoisting lasts 1-3 minutes. EMF excludes tree-climbing and arboreal platforms, through versatile manoeuvring in lightly-cluttered naturally open corridors. EMF costs are source and quantity dependent, and feasible to institutions and grant beneficiaries.
EMF is a workable alternative or supplement to existing elevated mist-netting applying poles, ropes and pulleys, owing to strength and durability, replicable construction, and versatile manoeuvrability in upper strata. The EMF-design demonstrates favourable prospects for high-tech development, thus further innovations are recommended.

Methods
Appendix S1. Detailed step-by-step DIY manual for elevated mist-net frame (EMF) production and field operation.

Appendix S2: Comparison of cost-benefits, operational efficiency and versatility of the elevated mist-net frame (EMF) with other elevated mist-net.

Appendix S3: Summary of total captures, mean height of net-placement and capture, and capture rate during 6,933 net-meter-hours (n-m-h) application of elevated mist-net frames (EMF) in the Ankasa Resource Reserve, south-west Ghana from 25-31 January and 25 June - 1 July, 2018. Nets were placed above a forest road, as well as in a grid of transects, all in lightly cluttered forest-canopy of up to 25-30 m; total canopy height of the forest sections we worked, in during 2018, was > 40m.

Appendix S4: Video demonstration footage of elevated mist-net frame (EMF) operation (5.39 minutes), shot with a Sony DSC RX100 M3 camcorder, showing the structure and operation of the EMF-device applied in canopy height of up to 25-30 m above a narrow forest road in the Ankasa Resource Reserve, south-west Ghana, 25-31 December 2018.