Wildlife

Wild Ptarmigan Montane Welfare

Ptarmigan are specialist montane birds dependent on arctic-alpine habitat, with welfare threatened by climate-driven vegetation change on UK mountains.

Key Facts

Ptarmigan are resident on Scottish mountain tops above 700m throughout the year
Their plumage changes seasonally from white in winter to mottled brown in summer for camouflage
Climate warming is driving vegetation change upward, reducing available montane habitat
Illegal killing on grouse moors represents a welfare and conservation threat
Ptarmigan welfare depends on undisturbed montane habitats free from human disturbance

Welfare Considerations

Ptarmigan welfare is threatened by climate-driven vegetation change that reduces their specialist habitat. As dwarf shrub vegetation migrates upward, ptarmigan are squeezed to ever smaller high-altitude refugia. Climate action is ultimately the most significant welfare intervention for ptarmigan and other montane specialists.

What You Can Do

Support climate action as an animal welfare priority for montane species
Contribute to ptarmigan monitoring surveys on Scottish mountains
Advocate for protection of montane habitats from development and disturbance