Iconic bird’ s extinction risk

The “iconic” capercaillie is likely to become extinct again in the UK within two to three decades if the current trend in population decline continues, a report has warned.

The study, from a subgroup of the NatureScot scientific advisory committee, also warns that current breeding success appears to be too low to allow recovery of the population of the birds, which are found only in Scotland.

It said that “renewed intensive measures” are needed if the population is to be conserved, focusing on options that will improve the survival of eggs and young chicks.

The report warned that any delay in enacting these “might result in the population declining to a point where extinction becomes inevitable”.

The measures proposed include controlling predators such as crows, foxes and pine martens, as well as “diversionary feeding” of predators, which would involve offering them alternative food during the breeding season. The report suggests creating refuges for capercaillies to minimise disturbance, while survival of adults would be enhanced with more work to mark or remove deer fences, which can cause injury or death to birds in flight.

Eileen Stuart, deputy director of nature and climate change at NatureScot, Scotland’s nature agency, said: “It’s clear that the future of capercaillie in Scotland is extremely vulnerable. This excellent report sets out the scientific evidence on capercaillie conservation and management, and the steps that are now needed to help save this key species. We recognise the urgency of the situation, and this report will be crucial as we look at options to accelerate action on the ground. Important work is already under way, and so there is much to build on.”

The capercaillie became extinct in the UK in the late 18th Century, but was reintroduced successfully to Scotland in the middle of the 19th Century.

The most recent survey (in 2015-16) estimated the population at 1,114 birds, much reduced from the 1970s, when the population was thought to be around 20,000 birds, while there has also been a marked reduction in its geographical range.

NATURAL HABITAT: The capercaillie is a declining denizen of Scotland’s pinewoods.