Hope for Cairngorms capercaillie as lek counts increase
There are hopes that numbers of one of the UK’s most threatened bird species could be recovering in the Cairngorms National Park following an increase un breeding activity.
The number of male capercaillie at breeding lek sites in the national park rose by 30 per cent this year, total of 170 birds recorded, up from 131 last year.
The figures have been welcomed as an encouraging boost and marking a significant milestone for the Capercaillie Emergency Plan, led by the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) and NatureScot.
The plan is also being supported by multiple partners – from land managers to non-governmental organisations. The results indicate that sustained conservation efforts are beginning to show results, with a measurable impact recorded across multiple landholdings
With male capercaillie typically participating in lekking only when they are two to three years old, this year’s increase shows the cumulative benefits of periods of good weather and conservation measures delivered over previous breeding seasons.
This includes a co-ordinated programme of diversionary feeding, now entering its fifth consecutive year, which has been shown to more than double breeding success – alongside extensive habitat improvement work delivered across the national park.
Even where lek counts are increasing, breeding success can be significantly affected if birds are disturbed while lekking, particularly given the often limited, weather-dependent opportunities available for mating.
Now in its third year, the Lek It Be campaign – which asks birdwatchers, photographers and wildlife guides to avoid seeking capercaillie while they are breeding – has continued to make a significant contribution by reducing disturbance at lek sites.
Carolyn Robertson, Cairngorms Nature Manager at the CNPA, said: “It is incredibly encouraging to see more birds lekking this spring after years of hard work and dedication from land managers, volunteers, rangers, residents and Park Authority and NatureScot staff. It's a real testament to what can be achieved through working together.
“Continuing that collaboration is vital to growing the population at scale and securing the long-term future of this iconic species in our Caledonian pine forests.”