Wildlife Welfare

Wild Capercaillie Welfare and Conservation

The capercaillie is critically endangered in Scotland with fewer than 500 birds remaining, requiring intensive conservation management.

Key Facts

Scotland's capercaillie population has declined from 20,000 in the 1970s to under 500
Disturbance at leks reduces breeding success significantly
Deer fence collisions are a major cause of adult mortality
Predator management and deer fence marking improve breeding success
Capercaillie went extinct in Scotland in the 18th century and were reintroduced from Sweden

Welfare Considerations

With so few individuals remaining, every capercaillie life matters. Fence collision deaths, disturbance-induced breeding failure, and predation all impose welfare costs on a population on the edge of extinction. Conservation management including fence marking, disturbance management, and predator control directly reduces individual animal suffering while supporting population recovery.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB capercaillie conservation in Scottish Highlands
Avoid disturbing capercaillie lek sites during breeding season
Advocate for deer fence marking requirements in capercaillie habitat