Single Rope Techniques In Tropical Rain Forest Trees: Going Down Safe And Sound

Hans ter Steege, Biotropica Vol

Hans ter Steege, Biotropica Vol. 30

Climbing rain forest trees poses hazards for all those involved. A variety of climbing methods have been invented and so assist greatly in the sphere of canopy research. Rope climbing is arguably the cheapest and easiest way to gain canopy access. There are several reasons why safety measures cannot be stressed as much as necessary. Firstly, research often takes place in the sphere of remote spaces and, second tree climbing is often practiced by researchers who possess no prior experience with either rock climbing or else speleology.

This brief communication is a rejoinder to an announcement within this Journal (Laman 1995), which in addition addressed the safety of rope climbing. Whilst studying the drawings I noted, however, that no safety precautions were taken in rappelling with the figure-of-eight. It would be effortless and clever to include such even more safety, because a figure-of-eight will not brake itself the way a descender (e.g., a Petzl Stop Descender) would as soon as it is released. Laman suggested that in the case of lost grip on the 'Figure-of-Eight' the leg ought to be swung to allow the rope to wrap around it. However, a 'run away' rappel may well take place and result in some sort of shock or else injury and complicated moves may not be a possibility subsequently in the fall. As soon as the climber is conscious, panic may make difficult moves unbearable. There is, however, an unimportant but very secure safety measure applicable in the form of Prusik knots, which does not depend on a quick reaction from the climber.

Prusik knots, if fitted acceptably, will slide easily along a rope, but will jam as soon as unexpected pressure is applied. A simple prusik knot can take place made with an small amount of 5 mm rope. This knot, however, has the disadvantage of getting very tight if pressure has been applied. This can be easily avoided by making a more technical prusik with a carabiner integrated. Following a drop, the prusik can be released by wriggling the carabiner. We use this skill while tree climbing (Cornelissen & ter Steege 1989, ter Steege & Cornelissen 1988, 1989) and feel very confident in it.

Other options used for safe, controlled descent include descenders: These lever action devices are used extensively in the sphere of speleology and stop as soon as released. A drawback with descenders is that owing to wear (especially in the sphere of dangerous canopies) the breaking action, little by little, decreases.

Laman stresses that safety should not be compromised while climbing trees in the sphere of remote areas. Taking even more precautions in rappelling with a figure-of-eight by using prusik knots or else switching to a descender are integral part of this safety.

Ecologists, wishing to become arboreal, and with no previous climbing skills, ought to seek climber training from practiced mountaineers or else speleologists to obtain hands-on experience with knots and descent devices used. These things are not safely learned from figures and books.

by: joe thorton

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