Wildlife

Wild Ptarmigan Climate Welfare

Ptarmigan are specialists of high-altitude Scottish mountains and face existential welfare challenges as climate change reduces suitable snowfield habitat.

Key Facts

Ptarmigan require montane heath and rocky tundra above 800 metres altitude
White winter plumage provides camouflage against snow but leaves them exposed in snow-free winters
UK ptarmigan populations are estimated at 10,000-15,000 birds, restricted to Scottish Highlands
Climate models predict 80-90% habitat loss for ptarmigan in Scotland by 2080
Tick burden may increase at higher altitudes as warmth extends tick habitat ranges

Welfare Considerations

Ptarmigan welfare is increasingly threatened by climate-driven habitat loss that cannot be addressed by individual actions alone. Systemic climate change mitigation is essential to this species' survival.

What You Can Do

Support climate change mitigation policies that protect arctic-alpine species
Record ptarmigan sightings through RSPB Highland surveys to contribute to population monitoring
Support montane habitat restoration that maximises remaining suitable habitat