The capercaillie is at critical risk of extinction in Scotland, with the population below 1,000 birds and facing threats from deer fence collisions, human disturbance, and habitat degradation.
Key Facts
Scottish capercaillie population below 1,000 birds, one of UK's rarest breeding birds
Human disturbance in winter is a critical welfare and conservation concern
Dependent on old Scots pine forest with blaeberry understory for food and nesting
Tick-borne diseases affecting capercaillie chick survival are increasing with climate change
Welfare Considerations
Capercaillie conservation is at a critical threshold. Human disturbance in winter causes energy expenditure that may be fatal for birds already under nutritional stress. Strict access codes during winter months are welfare as much as conservation measures.
What You Can Do
Follow strict access codes in capercaillie areas - stay on paths and avoid known areas in winter
Support RSPB Abernethy and capercaillie conservation programmes
Advocate for deer fence removal and modification in key capercaillie habitat areas