The western capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) is an iconic ground nesting bird currently resident throughout much of the Palearctic ecozone including areas in Scotland. The resident population within Scotland has been in severe decline since the 1970’s from over 20,000 to just 1200 individuals, 80% of which are confined to the Spey valley in the Cairngorms National Park. These declines have been due to a number of factors such as climate change and habitat loss. However, further compounding these issues is the impact of human disturbance in the form of extra-trail activities or disturbance from dogs ranging further off marked trails. This study aims to better understand the current dynamics in the Cairngorms National Park surrounding visitors’ recreational behaviour and human disturbance of capercaillie.

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The outputs from this project will work to inform and address the priorities of the Cairngorms National Park Authority as outlined in the capercaillie framework, namely reducing disturbance of capercaillie from recreational activities and improving the awareness and ownership of a potential flagship species.

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Where?

The Cairngorms National Park, Scotland

What species?

Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus)

People (tourists and recreationists)

Who's involved?

William Smith (University of Stirling)

Prof Nils Bunnefeld (University of Stirling)

Dr Madhu Satsangi (University of Stirling)

Justin Prigmore (Cairngorms National Park Authority)