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Posted: 5th July 2023

New hope for endangered capercaillie after latest count
The latest lek counts show the first increase in male capercaillie in eight years.
The recent counts show the first increase in male capercaillie in eight years.

The latest lek counts of capercaillie in Scotland have renewed hope for the critically endangered bird, showing the first increase in male capercaillie in eight years.

The lek survey, which was co-ordinated by the Capercaillie Advisory Officer, counted the number of male birds that attended known lek locations and revealed an increase of 19 male capercaillie since 2022.

A new study also reveals that, although the genetic diversity of capercaillie in Scotland is low, there is no evidence to suggest that it has significantly declined during the 20th century since first reintroductions.

The lek counts come as part of a co-ordinated action plan led by Cairngorms National Park Authority and NatureScot, in order to provide an insight into population trends and inform local capercaillie authorities working to save the species from extinction.

The counts are intended to provide insights and not an overall population estimate, as it is only a partial data set. Female capercaillie can be missed as they do not attend leks every day and young males do not attend leks until they are ready to breed.

The capercaillie population still remains in danger, with the 2021/2022 survey counting only 542 capercaillie in Scotland. This is a decrease of over 50 per cent in the past five years and the lowest recorded level since surveys started.

The lek counts and genetic data will be presented to stakeholders to inform new action to save the species. This includes developing a spatial plan to co-ordinate activities from fence marking and removal to working with access takers and expanding pinewood habitat.

The action plan was called for by the Scottish government’s minister for green skills, circular economy and biodiversity Lorna Slater, who said: “The capercaillie is on the verge of extinction in Scotland, however new research shows that there is hope for the species.

“I know how much work has already gone into protecting one of Scotland’s most iconic birds, and we cannot let these efforts be in vain.”



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