National Survey results for Capercaillie
National Survey results for Capercaillie
The latest national survey of Scotland’s population of capercaillie, the world’s largest grouse, estimates there to be only 1114 individuals – making it one of the country’s most endangered birds.
Scotland’s capercaillie population is assessed every six years by RSPB Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) with the most recent survey conducted during winter 2015/16.
Between November and March, RSPB surveyors walked nearly one thousand miles of transects looking for and recording the birds. The previous survey was carried out in winter 2009/10 and put capercaillie numbers at around 1285 individuals.
Capercaillie are found in mature pine woodlands in parts of the Highlands, Moray, Aberdeenshire and Perthshire, but Strathspey holds around 83% of the remaining population.
An innovative five year initiative, the Cairngorms Capercaillie Project, is being developed to help the bird. The scheme will work closely with communities to build support for the conservation of capercaillie, as well as aiming to create bigger, better managed and better connected forests to support long-term survival of capercaillie and other species in pine woods.
To read the story in full please click here.
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Relevant alerts
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Very high fire risk - 12 to 13 August
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have issued wildfire warnings impacting the National Park from Wednesday 12 August to Thursday 13 August.
We have seen all too recently how devastating wildfires can be. While enjoying the warm weather in the Cairngorms, remember:
- Fires and barbecues are not allowed under the new fire byelaw
- Always ensure cigarettes are fully extinguished and take your litter (including glass) away with you
- If you see a wildfire, dial the emergency services on 999 and provide them with the location
For further updates on wildfire risk across Scotland, visit the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website. To find out more about the fire byelaw, and to see your questions answered, visit our fire byelaw page here.
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There is an ongoing wildfire situation in Glenmore and Strath Nethy within the Cairngorms National Park, albeit the situation continues to improve and the majority of the National Park is unaffected (with Glenmore, Aviemore and Nethy Bridge all open to the public). Click here for all the latest. We would encourage members of the public to follow current guidance and be aware that the situation may change.
Various paths and trails remain closed. Check out our path closures page for all the latest updates.