What is the primary purpose of mist nets?

The primary purpose of mist nets is to capture wild birds and bats for research. Mist nets are fine mesh nets that are designed to be almost invisible when strung between two poles or trees. They are used extensively in ornithology and bat research to safely capture birds and bats for the purposes of study, banding, and monitoring populations. When an animal flies into the net, it becomes entangled without serious injury, allowing researchers to collect valuable data on species, health, migration patterns, and more.

This method is non-lethal and aims to gather important data that contributes to the conservation and understanding of various species in the wild. Mist nets are an essential tool for researchers, and their design prioritizes the safe handling of wildlife, which is crucial for ethical scientific research. Other choices do not align with the primary function of mist nets, as trapping raptors for falconry, holding bait animals, and transporting falcons involve different methods and equipment specifically tailored for those tasks.