Wildlife

Wild Animal Welfare and UK Capercaillie 2026

Scottish capercaillie face extinction with fewer than 500 birds remaining, making 2026 welfare and conservation interventions critical.

Key Facts

Scottish capercaillie population is estimated at fewer than 500 birds, critically threatened
Disturbance at lek sites during winter and early spring is a primary welfare and conservation concern
Deer fence collision is a leading cause of mortality with barrier marking reducing risk by 80%
Predator management and habitat restoration in core Cairngorms populations are showing results
Capercaillie require extensive, structurally diverse Caledonian pinewood habitat

Welfare Considerations

Capercaillie conservation is at a critical juncture. Each surviving bird matters for both individual welfare and species survival. Targeted, evidence-based interventions are essential.

What You Can Do

Respect exclusion zones around capercaillie lek sites
Support RSPB capercaillie conservation programs
Advocate for Caledonian pinewood expansion and predator management in core capercaillie areas