Wildlife

UK Capercaillie Emergency Conservation

The capercaillie faces extinction in Scotland with fewer than 500 birds remaining, making it one of the UK's most urgent wildlife welfare and conservation emergencies.

Key Facts

UK capercaillie population declined from an estimated 20,000 in the 1970s to fewer than 500 by 2024
Predation, disturbance, and collisions with deer fences are the primary current threats
A conservation action plan combining fence removal, predator management, and visitor restriction is in operation
Breeding success is critically dependent on dry weather during the first weeks of chick life

Welfare Considerations

Individual capercaillie welfare is affected by predation stress, fence collision risk, and human disturbance during breeding. The emergency status of this population means every individual matters. Conservation management must be bold enough to match the urgency of the situation.

What You Can Do

Support the RSPB and Scottish capercaillie conservation programmes
Respect access restrictions around capercaillie nesting areas in the Cairngorms
Engage with the debate around predator management and visitor restriction in capercaillie recovery