Wildlife

UK Capercaillie Conservation and Welfare Crisis

The welfare and conservation crisis facing capercaillies in Scottish forests and conservation efforts.

Key Facts

UK capercaillie population is critically endangered with fewer than 500 birds remaining
Predation by foxes, corvids, and raptors is a leading cause of chick mortality
Fence collision mortality during dispersal is a significant welfare and conservation concern
Cairngorms Connect and other large-scale projects are working to restore capercaillie habitat
Climate change reducing snowpack and altering bilberry availability threatens capercaillie welfare

Welfare Considerations

Individual capercaillies face welfare risks from predation, fence collision, and food shortage, with predator management and fence removal delivering measurable welfare benefits.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB capercaillie conservation in the Cairngorms
Advocate for deer fence removal in capercaillie habitats
Donate to Cairngorms Connect large-scale ecosystem restoration