Capercaillie in Scotland - possible recovery? (2 Viewers)

[JTweedie]

Early research is indicating a recovery of Capercaillie numbers in some sites. It also suggests that the birds are able to coexist alongside predators such as Goshawk and Pine Marten.

Hopefully research from other sites show a similar recovery or at least stabilisation of numbers, but I expect there'll be variation from site to site as local conditions and ecologies influence their populations.

Dancing Capercaillie bird makes a tentative comeback in Scotland

Exclusive: Ecologists say there are early signs that the population is recovering in remote forests

www.theguardian.com

 

[Mike Crawley]

One would presume that they have coexisted with Goshawk, Pine Marten and numerous other predators for thousands of years.
It’s human interference that has led to their decline

 

[JTweedie]

The removal of deer fences seems to be working too.

 

[Farnboro John]

One would presume that they have coexisted with Goshawk, Pine Marten and numerous other predators for thousands of years.
It’s human interference that has led to their decline

I'd absolutely agree with this. The Speyside site I was still able to find numbers of Capercaillie at until a few years ago is defunct due to being clear-felled out across a wide area. I couldn't believe it considering the way the population was declining at the time. Humans are the problem, with unbridled capitalism at the heart of it.

John

 

[Kits]

Goshawks: New Forest population flourishing say experts

The first pair of the rare birds returned to the forest in 2002 and 45 pairs have now been recorded.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[Jon Turner]

I hope they hang on a bit longer, it's still a bird I've never seen anywhere!!