Fangnetze

Fangnetze are nets designed to capture or restrain animals. The term covers a range of devices used in wildlife management, veterinary rescue, and fishing contexts. They are intended to enclose or entangle a target animal with as little harm as possible when used correctly.

Construction and variants: Fangnetze vary in size, shape, and material. They are typically made from synthetic fibers such as nylon or polyethylene, sometimes with coatings for durability or camouflage. Mesh sizes are selected to suit the target species and to reduce bycatch. Common configurations include hand-thrown nets, drop nets that unfold upon release, and enclosure or funnel nets that guide animals into a capture area. In aquatic settings, nets may be supported by frames or floats to maintain position.

Applications: In wildlife research, fangnetze are used to capture birds, bats, and small mammals for tagging, health checks, or relocation. In pest control and wildlife management, they can provide humane capture to prevent damage or risk to people and livestock. In fisheries and aquaculture, nets are used to collect specimens or to restrict the movement of organisms in controlled environments, depending on design and purpose.

Safety, ethics and regulation: Proper training is essential to minimize stress and injury. Nets should be monitored continuously and animals released promptly if they are not retained. Many countries require permits and adherence to animal welfare standards, with guidelines aimed at reducing suffering and non-target captures. Net designs increasingly emphasize non-lethal and welfare-friendly approaches.

History and terminology: The use of capture nets has a long history across regions, with advances in materials and techniques shaping modern practice.