Conservation management for capercaillie

 

As part of this project Technical Services Unit (TSU) staff have implemented a range of thinning intensity plots across a number of sites and are monitoring the impact on the ground flora, particularly Vaccinium myrtillus, V. vitis-idaea and Eriophorum vaginatum, but also ericaceous species generally.

Capercaillie populations in Scotland have declined dramatically over the last 30 years to a level where there is concern that the species could once more become extinct.

Through an EU-funded Caledonian Partnership European LIFE 2002 project, Forest Research is helping to benefit the Capercaillie through predator control, vegetation management and monitoring.

To improve conditions for Capercaillie, a set of measures are being applied within 6 main meta-population areas to try to enhance productivity and survival. Measures include predator control, fence marking and the manipulation of tree canopies or shrub/ground layers to target the creation or enhancement of brood areas

Trained TSU staff also carry out monthly bird strike assessments on a range of deer fences, both marked and unmarked.

For further information about this project contact:

Dr. Janet Dutch
Technical Services Unit
Forest Research
Northern Research Station
Roslin
Midlothian
EH25 9SY

Tel: 0131 445 2176
Fax: 0131 445 5124
E-mail: janet.dutch@forestry.gsi.gov.uk