Wildlife

Wild Capercaillie Individual Welfare

Welfare challenges facing individual capercaillie birds in Scotland, including fence collisions, predation pressure, and disturbance.

Key Facts

Capercaillie population in Scotland is estimated at around 500 birds
Deer fence collisions are a significant cause of capercaillie mortality
Predation by foxes, crows, and raptors is managed in some conservation areas
Human disturbance at lek sites causes birds to abandon displaying and stress
Felling of native pinewoods and plantation forestry removes core habitat

Welfare Considerations

With only around 500 birds remaining, each individual capercaillie matters enormously. Preventable mortality from fence collisions and disturbance causes suffering that significantly impacts this critically endangered population's survival.

What You Can Do

Keep dogs on leads in capercaillie habitat year-round
Stay away from known lek sites during March-May breeding season
Support RSPB Scotland's capercaillie conservation projects