The ptarmigan is one of the hardiest birds in Britain, living year-round on Scottish mountain summits above 900m, and faces unique welfare threats from climate change warming high-altitude habitats.
Ptarmigan welfare is threatened by climate change shrinking the cold mountain top habitat they depend on. As temperatures warm, unsuitable lower-altitude species and predators extend their ranges upward, increasing competition and predation. Individual ptarmigan face welfare challenges from changing snow conditions affecting camouflage effectiveness and food availability.