Wildlife

Wild Capercaillie Disturbance Welfare

Capercaillie are critically endangered in the UK, with human disturbance at leks and in nesting habitats causing welfare and population impacts.

Key Facts

Fewer than 500 capercaillie survive in the UK, all in Cairngorms region
Lek disturbance during the brief spring display season reduces breeding success significantly
Dog disturbance of nesting hens causes nest abandonment and chick mortality
Access management through paths and visitor information reduces disturbance
Predator management of foxes and corvids is controversial but practiced near key sites

Welfare Considerations

Capercaillie disturbance causes acute stress responses and breeding failure. For a critically small population, every breeding failure reduces the chance of species survival. Individual welfare and species survival are inseparable in this case. Responsible access including dog leads and path adherence is a direct welfare contribution.

What You Can Do

Keep dogs on leads in capercaillie country, especially April to July
Follow recommended paths and respect access restrictions near capercaillie sites
Support RSPB and NatureScot capercaillie recovery programmes