Capercaillie at risk of extinction in Scotland
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The largest member of the grouse family, the capercaillie, has severely dropped in numbers as there is only an estimation of between 255 and 832 birds in Scotland.
The RSPB’s latest national survey, 2021/22, shows a 50% decline from the 2015/16 results. This is the lowest number since the surveying of capercaillies started in the 90s.
From the physical appearance, male capercaillies look strong enough to defend themselves as they fight with other males to assert dominance. However, the main threats to the species lie within the female birds and the survival rate of chicks.
The factors that reduce the survival rate are Scotland’s cold and wet Spring weather which heavily affects the female’s fitness before breeding season, and chicks cannot survive in damp conditions. Predators are also to blame for the lowering numbers, who prey upon the nesting females and vulnerable chicks. Eggs are often stolen from nests by crows and other forest predators.
Not only are nature’s harsh conditions a threat to the capercaillies, but also a disturbance from people such as keen wildlife watchers and dog walkers.
The species must be left alone, no matter how pretty they are. There is an RSPB code of conduct for watching endangered species. Which can be found at:
Forestry and Land Scotland has worked to remove as much deer fencing as possible in locations where capercaillies have been spotted due to many of the birds flying into them and getting killed, which is a more significant issue than it seems.
Results from the recent national survey call for immediate action to make these beautiful birds more resilient to prevent extinction. At the Cairngorms National Park in the RSPB Abernethy nature reserve, 85% of Scotland’s capercaillie population resides here. The RSPB is working extensively to keep these birds alive by changing their habitat. Large-scale habitat restoration, such as forest expansions and field layer management, is taking place. As part of the Cairngorms Connect project, predator management will be monitored with diversionary feeding to be trialled.
The RSPB, alongside other organisations, including the Scottish Government, is working to develop a strategy to ensure the bird’s survival rate. Such surveys must take place to ensure Scotland’s wildlife can thrive. RSPB Scotland’s sixth national survey has been joint-funded by NatureScot, Cairngorms National Park Authority, Cairngorms Capercaillie Project, Forestry and Land Scotland, and Scotland Forestry.