This is the website of the LIFE Nature Project:

"Urgent Conservation Management for Scottish Capercaillie"

The project is a partnership and aims to halt the decline of Scottish Capercaillie and improve its breeding sucess.

General Background

During the 1980's and 1990's there was a dramatic decline in the number of Capercaillie in Scotland. This has continued into the 21st Century and at their lowest Capercaillie numbers dropped below 1000 individuals. This project is aimed at improving the breeding success of the Scottish Capercaillie thus reversing the recent decline in numbers.

There are many reasons for the decline in Capercaillie numbers, and this project has attempted to deal with the most prominent that have been identified. There are other factors, such as climate change, which are expected to have an affect on the success of Capercaillie and that are outwith our influence. Through the project we would hope to improve and expand the areas of good capercaillie habitat as well as educating people about how their actions, and inaction, can effect Capercaillie.

The outline target is to achieve a population of over 5000 birds, by 2010. This will give a far more sustainable and robust population,c which will be in a better position to cope with external influences than the fragile population which exists at present.