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Capercaillie BAP report
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There is a very real risk of extinction from the UK for the capercaillie
What are we trying to achieve?
The Government agreed a Biodiversity Action Plan for this species in 1995. The targets for this plan were reviewed in 2006 and are as follows:
- Achieve an increase in the range of capercaillie from current 40 occupied 10 km squares, to 45 occupied 10 km squares by 2010
- Increase the population of capercaillie in Scotland to 5000, by 2010
The RSPB co-ordinated a national winter survey in 2003/04 which gave a population estimate of 1980 birds, representing an 87% increase on the previous 1998/99 survey result. However, this is still a small population and it is split into isolated groups. An RSPB/Aberdeen University/Scottish Executive capercaillie genetics research project has shown that these geographically isolated groups are also becoming genetically isolated and are therefore at increased risk of local extinction. This species remains at real risk of extinction from the UK and conservation action must continue.
The RSPB and Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH) are jointly leading this action plan and are working with several partners, including Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS), and various land manager and forestry groups to deliver the targets.
What is the RSPB doing to help?
Capercaillie conservation is an urgent priority for the RSPB. We have produced numerous management plans for capercaillie, agreed and supported by SNH and FCS, and continue to work with many managers of private forests. Action on the ground is being combined with policy advocacy. We work closely with FCS to target funds at key areas.
RSPB research has demonstrated the problems posed by deer fencing, which causes direct mortality and grazing, mainly by deer, preventing regeneration of native pinewood. The RSPB was a main partner in developing a EU Life project application for capercaillie and is heavily involved in managing this project. This £5 million, five-year project halted the decline of the species.
In 2006 the RSPB:
- Continued to employ a Capercaillie Project Officer, with co-funding from SNH and FCS. This project involves almost all key estates within the current capercaillie range
- Continued to employ a Capercaillie Project Assistant, with co-funding from The Friends of Capercaillie and FCS
- Worked with FCS, FE, SNH, and Highland Birchwoods to manage the Life project, achieving all targets
- Undertook extensive Capercaillie Life Project work on RSPB reserves
- Provided advice on habitat management, fence issues, predator control and funding opportunities to estates within and outwith the Life project
- Organised regional lek surveys covering over 80 leks and assisted with brood counts at 24 sites throughout the capercaillie range
- Continued vegetation management trials at the RSPB’s Abernethy Reserve and continued to monitor the effects of certain predators
- Continued to monitor alternative designs of deer fence at Abernethy forest reserve
- Held advisory events targeting forestry managers and estate managers
Estimated number of capercaillie (males and females) in Scotland (winter counts)
Summary of progress
Figure 1: Estimated number of capercaillie (males and females) in Scotland (winter counts).
The most recent national survey, in winter 2003/04, showed an increase in population, concentrated in SPAs in Strathspey. The population estimate derived from the survey was 1980 individuals (95% confidence intervals 1284-2758).
Conservation action is underway on every important site within the current capercaillie range. However, in general, deer numbers remain high and there is still a problem with too much grazing and browsing on many sites. The Deer Commission for Scotland (DCS) are members of the capercaillie BAP steering group and are helping address this.
Has our work been effective?
As a result of the combined work of the RSPB, SNH and FCS, there have been continued improvements to forestry policy, especially in relation to the removal and marking of fences. These will have brought direct but un-quantifiable benefits to the capercaillie population. RSPB reserves support significant numbers of capercaillie and are amongst the most important sites for this species. Through an extensive advisory programme, large areas of improved habitat have been created in many forests through cooperation with forest managers. When weather conditions are good during the breeding season, it is hoped that breeding success will be improved on many sites. Recently, the national average has been around 1.4 chicks per hen; this is sufficient to increase the population once again and should be reflected in lek counts in the next few years.
What do we plan to do next?
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Continue to work with the Caledonian Partnership (Scottish Executive, FCS, SNH, the RSPB and the Cairngorms National Park) on the EU Life project, to undertake practical measures to mitigate the identified threats to the breeding success and survival of capercaillie in forests throughout the central Highlands
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Continue working with forest managers on all key sites for capercaillie via the Capercaillie Project Officer
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Continue to work with FCS and SNH to reduce the threat posed by fences in the core capercaillie areas
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Continue to work with SNH and FCS to ensure strict implementation of relevant policies and guidelines pertaining to capercaillie
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Work with DCS to encourage further deer management
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Using data collected by the LIFE project, press for designation of sufficient SPAs to secure the population of capercaillie
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Continue to undertake research and monitoring to inform conservation action
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Increase publicity for the plight of the capercaillie in Scotland
What are the constraints to fully achieving the targets?
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Deer, fencing and forestry management issues. Deer numbers remain high and there is still a problem with too much grazing and browsing on many sites
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Despite recent progress made on SPA designation (there are now 14 for capercaillie), it is possible that only 15-31% of the population is covered
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Cold temperatures and wet weather in June, when the chicks are small, can reduce chick survival significantly
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It is thought that changes to spring weather patterns are having a negative impact on the nutritional status of females during egg formation – though the scientific case is not proven categorically yet
Acknowledgements
The RSPB has worked closely with a number of individuals and organisations over the past year to further the conservation of capercaillie, in particular Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS), Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and the members of the capercaillie BAP group.
Last modified: 30 August 2007