Which of the following is not required when preparing to release a wild caught raptor?

The process of preparing to release a wild-caught raptor involves several important steps to ensure the bird’s safety and well-being, as well as compliance with regulations. Among the options presented, clipping the raptor's wings is not required prior to release. This is primarily because clipping is a form of manipulation that can hinder the bird’s ability to fly and navigate in the wild. The goal of release is to allow the raptor to reintegrate into its natural habitat, where it needs full flight capability to hunt, evade predators, and establish territory.

In contrast, ensuring the area is free of predators, having the bird's health certificate, and confirming that the bird is a native raptor are all critical considerations. Before release, verifying that the habitat is safe reduces the chances of the bird being immediately threatened by larger predators. Confirming the health of the raptor through a health certificate ensures that it is fit to survive in the wild and does not pose a risk of introducing disease to wild populations. Additionally, checking for native status is essential to comply with local wildlife regulations and to ensure the raptor is being placed in an appropriate environment.