And we end with some good news
Positive signs for capercaillie conservation - Cairngorms National Park Authority
Support for coordinated action, as lek counts and genetics study results revealed
The results from this spring’s capercaillie lek counts show an increase of 19 male birds – the first increase in eight years. Furthermore, the results of a new study reveal that, although the genetic diversity of the Scottish capercaillie population is low, there is no evidence to suggest that it has declined significantly during the 20th century since the first reintroductions.
These results have emerged as the Cairngorms National Park Authority and NatureScot have been asked to lead a coordinated action plan for the critically endangered capercaillie by Lorna Slater, the Scottish Government’s Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity.
Capercaillie numbers have decreased by over 50% in the last five years with the latest national survey (2021/2022) estimating there are only 542 capercaillie left in Scotland. Those involved in trying to save capercaillie from extinction have welcomed the continued commitment from Scottish Government as well as the news that lek counts in some areas have increased, along with new genetic data from the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) WildGenes laboratory.
Lek counts and genetics data will help inform new coordinated action to save the species. The Park Authority and NatureScot are tasked with bringing together stakeholders from across the spectrum to explore a range of options. This will involve developing a spatial plan to coordinate activities from fence marking and removal to working with access takers and expanding pinewood habitat at landscape scale. Scottish Government have also asked the partnership to undertake a survey of pine marten to understand their distribution.
Biodiversity Minister Lorna Slater said: “The capercaillie is on the verge of extinction in Scotland, however new research shows that there is hope for the species. I know how much work has already gone into protecting one of Scotland’s most iconic birds, and we cannot let these efforts be in vain. This new approach will see NatureScot and the Cairngorms National Park Authority engage and work with a variety of stakeholders whose valuable experience and insight will be crucial in our efforts to protect the species. This is a key milestone in our efforts to implement the recommendations as set out by NatureScot’s Scientific Advisory Group’s report on capercaillie, which includes the removal of deer fences and improving access to appropriate habitat. This is part of our wider mission to address the imminent crisis of nature loss in Scotland.”