Wildlife

Wild Capercaillie Welfare Conservation

Capercaillie are Scotland's largest grouse and face extinction risk from habitat loss, disturbance, and predation.

Key Facts

Capercaillie were once extinct in Scotland and reintroduced from Sweden in 1837
Current Scottish population is estimated at around 500 birds
Disturbance from forestry operations, recreation, and deer fences causes breeding failure
Predator management including fox and crow control improves chick survival
Climate change is making capercaillie habitat wetter in winter, increasing exposure mortality

Welfare Considerations

Capercaillie chicks are highly vulnerable to cold and wet conditions and predation. At the edge of extinction, each individual's welfare is critical for population survival.

What You Can Do

Avoid disturbing capercaillie habitats especially during lekking season from March to May
Support Cairngorms Connect and other large-scale habitat restoration programs
Donate to predator management programs specifically targeting capercaillie conservation