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.

摘要
经典标准雾网（mist-netting）采样仅能捕捉距地面3米以下飞行的林下层鸟类。针对高层冠层鸟类（及蝙蝠）的采样方法创新，对生态学研究尤其是热带森林生态研究而言至关重要。本文介绍并评估了一种可架设至约25~30米高的高架雾网框架（elevated mist-net frames，EMF）采样方案。本研究设计了适配标准3×6米雾网的可拆卸移动式合金框架，整套装置（含配套配件）重约11千克，采用三点缆线挂载方式固定。搭建时采用行业顶尖的射箭与渔具装备固定锚线，并通过滑轮、绳索及牵索完成起吊作业。该高架雾网框架仅需2~3名研究人员即可在15~20分钟内完成组装与拆卸，起吊与下放作业耗时仅1~3分钟。该框架无需依赖爬树或树冠平台，可在植被稀疏的天然开阔廊道中灵活机动作业。高架雾网框架的成本依原材料来源与采购量而异，对科研机构及项目资助获得者而言均具备可行性。相较于传统依靠杆具、绳索与滑轮搭建的高架雾网方案，该框架凭借其高强度与耐用性、可复制的组装工艺，以及在冠层上层的灵活机动性，可作为现有方法的可行替代方案或补充手段。该高架雾网框架设计展现出良好的高技术研发前景，因此建议开展进一步的技术创新。