In the remote woodlands of Scotland, a bold new conservation tactic is being used to protect the critically endangered capercaillie, a majestic bird on the brink of extinction. Conservationists are hoping that a combination of innovative methods, including a diversionary feeding strategy, might just help save the species.
A Bold Strategy: Diversionary Feeding
At Abernethy Forest, a key habitat for the capercaillie, conservationist Jack Bamber is experimenting with a strategy known as diversionary feeding. His approach is simple: place piles of deer meat around the forest to lure predators away from capercaillie eggs and chicks. The goal is to draw predators such as pine martens and badgers, which are protected species in Scotland, to the easily accessible food rather than the vulnerable young birds.
Capercaillies are large grouse, known for their striking fan-shaped tails and elaborate mating displays, called leks, where males gather to impress females. However, the bird’s secretive nature and aversion to disturbance make it particularly vulnerable to predators and human activity. There were only about 500 capercaillies remaining in Scotland by 2021-2022, making the species’ survival uncertain without urgent intervention.
Bamber, who is pursuing a PhD at the University of Aberdeen, believes this tactic offers a non-lethal way of controlling predator numbers and reducing predation pressure on the capercaillie. Early results from his experiments are promising, with the diversionary feeding showing an 83% reduction in predation rates at some sites.
The Challenge of Protecting the Capercaillie
While the diversionary feeding method has shown promise, it is just one of several measures aimed at saving the capercaillie. These include managing human activity in capercaillie habitats, expanding forested areas, and working to reduce disturbances from recreational activities. Dogs, for instance, are a significant threat to capercaillies, particularly during the breeding season when dogs off-leash can flush out birds from their nests.
Carolyn Robertson, project manager of the Cairngorms Capercaillie Project, works to raise awareness among local dog walkers and visitors about the impact of their actions on the capercaillie. She has seen encouraging results from the local community’s efforts to protect the birds, such as fewer disturbances and longer periods of lekking activity.
Expanding Habitat and Addressing Climate Challenges
Restoring suitable habitat for the capercaillie is critical to their survival. However, only about 1% of Scotland’s original Caledonian pine forests remain intact, with much of the land now used for agriculture. The Cairngorms National Park aims to restore 50% of its area for ecosystem restoration by 2045, including expanding Scots pine forests to benefit capercaillie and other species.
Yet, habitat restoration alone may not be enough. Climate change poses a significant threat, with wetter, colder springs reducing the survival rate of chicks. Researchers are exploring ways to help capercaillie cope with these changes, such as providing shelter and improving food availability, but climate-related challenges remain a major concern.
A Broader Conservation Effort
Beyond local efforts, Scotland has launched a comprehensive emergency plan to help the capercaillie. The plan includes expanding diversionary feeding, removing more fences that pose a risk to the birds, and restoring forest habitats. In addition, there are discussions about reinforcing the capercaillie population with birds from other regions to improve genetic diversity.
The fate of the capercaillie is uncertain, but conservationists remain hopeful. While these efforts may not guarantee the species’ survival, they provide a glimmer of hope. “If we lose it, it’s just another one that we’ve lost,” says Robertson, emphasizing the broader importance of protecting vulnerable species and ecosystems.
As Jack Bamber puts it, “It still makes a big difference to species. So it’s worth it in the end. They’re amazing, amazing birds.”
