What must be kept on a banded raptor?

The requirement for the band to remain on a banded raptor is crucial for tracking and identification purposes. The band serves as a unique identifier, allowing wildlife officials and falconers to monitor the bird's movements, health, and breeding patterns throughout its life. This information is vital for conservation efforts, as it contributes to the understanding of raptor populations and overarching ecological studies.

Additionally, the presence of the band indicates that the bird is likely undergoing tracking or observation for regulatory compliance, which is a significant component of responsible falconry and wildlife management practices. This systematic approach helps ensure that the welfare of the raptors is prioritized and that they are adequately monitored throughout their lives, thus contributing to effective conservation strategies within the field of falconry.

The other choices do not address the essential need for tracking and monitoring that the band provides, which underscores why maintaining the band on the raptor is fundamental to the practice of falconry.