Home / Environment / Highlands Capercaillie Soar: Rare Bird Numbers Surge
Highlands Capercaillie Soar: Rare Bird Numbers Surge
13 Feb
Summary
- Capercaillie male numbers increased by 50% from 20 to 30.
- Conservation efforts include remote mowers and virtual fencing.
- This recovery offers hope for a species once numbering 20,000.
Conservation efforts in the Scottish Highlands have yielded a significant increase in the number of lekking male capercaillie at RSPB Abernethy. Between 2020 and 2025, the population grew by 50%, from 20 males to 30, marking a crucial turning point for this endangered species.
This recovery is a beacon of hope, considering the species' drastic decline from over 20,000 in the 1970s to a mere 532 individuals. Conservationists have implemented innovative strategies, including remote-controlled mowers to manage heather and promote blaeberry growth, a vital food source. Virtual fence collars on cattle are also being used to manage grazing effectively.
These habitat improvements have led to more chicks surviving to adulthood. While the capercaillie's future remains precarious, these techniques offer a promising path to recovery. Abernethy's site alone accounts for over 20% of the national lekking male population, underscoring the importance of these conservation endeavors.
