Wild Animal Welfare

Wild Capercaillie Conservation Scotland

Capercaillie are critically endangered in Scotland with fewer than 500 birds remaining - conservation management directly benefits individual bird welfare.

Key Facts

UK capercaillie population declined from 20,000 in the 1970s to under 500 today
Nest failure from predation and disturbance are primary causes of decline
Deer fence removal reduces lethal collision mortality significantly
Restoration of native pinewood habitat provides essential lekking and foraging habitat
Human disturbance at lek sites during the breeding season is a significant welfare concern

Welfare Considerations

Individual capercaillie face real welfare threats including predation pressure, starvation during poor mast years, and fence collision mortality. Each individual matters in a population this small, making every welfare intervention significant.

What You Can Do

Respect capercaillie exclusion zones in the Cairngorms during lek season
Support the RSPB Cairngorms Connect and Capercaillie Recovery Project
Advocate for deer fence removal along known capercaillie flight paths