Wildlife

Wild UK Capercaillie 2026 Update

Current status and welfare of capercaillie in Scotland in 2026, with ongoing conservation challenges.

Key Facts

Scottish capercaillie population remains critically low at around 400-500 birds
Tick burden on chicks is a significant welfare and mortality factor
Disturbance at lek sites during the breeding season causes abandonment and stress
Deer fence collisions kill a disproportionate number of breeding-age females
Native pinewood restoration and tick management are key conservation interventions

Welfare Considerations

Capercaillie welfare in 2026 is precarious. With fewer than 500 birds remaining, each individual welfare failure is significant at the population level. Disturbance at lek sites, fence collision, and tick burden all cause preventable suffering that sustained management can reduce.

What You Can Do

Avoid capercaillie lek sites from March to May during the breeding season
Keep dogs on leads in capercaillie habitat year round
Support RSPB Scotland capercaillie conservation programs