Dog walkers urged to keep pets on leads where requested to protect capercaille
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The Cairngorms National Park Authority is appealing to dog walkers to keep their pets on a lead where requested in order to boost the survival prospects of capercaillie.
It is estimated there are now fewer than 1,000 of the world's largest grouse left in the UK despite millions of pounds being spent to try and safeguard caper.
Almost all of the remaining birds live in Strathspey.
Dog walkers are being encouraged to keep their pets under control and walkers to be extra mindful of where they tread this spring and summer.
Carolyn Robertson, manager on the Cairngorms Capercaillie Project, said: “As locals we’ve been taking advantage of the amazing trails on our doorstep, and we’re looking forward to visitors returning to enjoy the national park once restrictions ease.
"But this time of year is especially critical for the survival of ground nesting birds like capercaillie and we all have a part to play in keeping them safe.”
She continued: “Over 80 per cent of Scotland’s small remaining capercaillie population now live in the pinewoods of the Cairngorms National Park and we’re so lucky to have them.
"But it also means we need to take extra care if we’re out in the woods not to disturb this striking bird, especially in spring when they are breeding.”
Each spring, capercaillie gather in specific areas of pinewood to mate. Males will perform an extraordinary courtship display called a lek – old Norse for ‘dance’.
They strut about with their heads high and tails fanned, making strangely un-bird-like wheezing and popping and clattering noises.
Ms Robertson said: "If undisturbed, a lek site will host generations of these displays.
"But if it is disturbed – for instance by humans or dogs who have ranged off-path – the birds might not breed at all that year. And given their low population numbers, this has a potentially huge impact.
"Capercaillie favour very specific forest conditions due to their diet and nesting needs, which leaves them only a few options for new lek sites if they abandon their usual spot."
She continued: “When capercaillie chicks are really young they can’t survive without their mothers and they may not regroup as a family after being scattered.
"But there are steps we can all take to ensure that we don’t flush and scare them, which will hopefully help the next generation of birds survive the season.”
The CNPA has pointed out that capercaillie are a protected species by law, so it is an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb them while they are lekking, nesting or rearing young.
They have said steps taken to help protect capercaillie can also help other ground nesting birds like curlew, dotterel or oystercatchers.
The CNPA and the Cairngorms Capercaillie Project – which is focussed on Carrbridge – have offered some key advice to ensure the birds survive and thrive during this important time of year.
Adam Streeter-Smith, CNPA access officer, said: “Going for a walk with the dog keeps us moving and our canine friends happy - but although a dog might be well behaved and friendly, a capercaillie sees them as a threat and a predator.
“In pine woodlands, between April and mid August, please keep your dog on a lead when requested by signage.
"It’s extremely important that we follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code so we know we’re always helping to protect the environment and wildlife we love.”
Duncan Macdonald, community ranger on the Cairngorms Capercaillie Project, said: “The Cairngorms National Park boasts a wealth of beautiful trails, and one way we can help capercaillie is by sticking to paths when in forest areas.
“If people stray off into deep pinewood, it’s possible they will have unknowingly crossed a capercaillie lek site or a nesting area. It’s not worth the risk.”
He added: “Trust us, we’d love to spot a capercaillie on our daily walks. And if we all leave them in peace and give them space to flourish, one day that might just become a reality.”
