The Decoy Ploy: Innovative Conservation Efforts to Save Scotland's Endangered Capercaillie

Scotland's iconic and elusive capercaillie is in critical danger of extinction, and innovative new conservation methods are being deployed to safeguard this magnificent bird. The Cairngorms Capercaillie Project, along with dedicated researchers like Jack Bamber, is at the forefront of these efforts, employing unusual tactics to address the growing challenges threatening the survival of the world’s largest grouse.

Diversionary Feeding: A New Strategy for Protecting Capercaillie

In a dense corner of Abernethy Forest, surrounded by ancient Scots pine trees, researcher Jack Bamber is employing a technique known as diversionary feeding. By scattering piles of deer meat, Bamber is aiming to attract predators such as badgers and pine martens—creatures that typically target vulnerable capercaillie chicks—away from the bird's nests. This approach seeks to divert predators’ attention to an easier meal, reducing predation on the fragile chicks without harming the predators themselves.

While the tactic may sound unorthodox, it is part of a broader strategy to protect the capercaillie, whose population has dwindled to fewer than 500 birds in Scotland. The last official count in 2021-2022 confirmed the species is on the brink of extinction. With their distinctive fan tails and dramatic mating displays, capercaillies are highly sensitive to disturbance, making their survival even more precarious.

Protecting Capercaillies in the Face of Multiple Threats

The capercaillie’s plight is not only due to predation. Human activity, particularly the presence of dogs in capercaillie habitats, also poses a significant threat. Carolyn Robertson, project manager for the Cairngorms Capercaillie Project, is actively working to reduce human disturbance in key capercaillie areas. 

The region sees around 6,000 resident dogs, plus an estimated 150,000 visiting dogs annually. Dogs, even when on leashes, have been shown to increase stress in capercaillies and disrupt their nesting behavior. As part of the project, Robertson and her team have launched an information campaign aimed at local dog walkers, educating them about the importance of keeping dogs under close control to minimize disturbance to the capercaillie population.

The campaign has already had positive results, with local dog walkers taking responsibility for protecting the birds, which has contributed to increased sightings of capercaillies lekking—gathering in groups for courtship displays. The goal is to create a sense of stewardship among the local community, which will then influence visiting dog owners to behave responsibly as well.

Balancing Conservation and Human Activity

Managing human impact on wildlife is an ongoing challenge, especially in areas like the Cairngorms, where public access is permitted through Scotland’s "right to roam" law. However, research has shown that capercaillies can be driven away from vital habitats by human presence. Studies indicate that the birds will avoid areas near tourism locations, and the stress caused by human activity can lead to higher stress hormone levels in capercaillie droppings.

Striking a balance between conservation efforts and recreational use of the land is a complex task. Some researchers, such as retired ecologist Robert Moss, suggest that a moderate level of human disturbance might actually be beneficial for capercaillie populations by scaring off predators without harming the birds themselves. This phenomenon, known as the "human shield" effect, could offer a natural form of protection from predators while allowing capercaillies to thrive.

Moving Forward: Hope for the Capercaillie

Despite the daunting challenges, there is hope for the future of Scotland's capercaillie. The combination of innovative strategies, such as diversionary feeding and community outreach, alongside ongoing habitat management and public education, is beginning to show results. Local mountain bikers, for example, have embraced the project’s conservation efforts by rerouting trails to avoid disturbing capercaillie habitats and placing up signs to raise awareness.

As the research continues and more people get involved in the protection of these magnificent birds, there is a growing sense of optimism that Scotland's capercaillies may yet have a fighting chance against extinction. The road ahead will be long and difficult, but with these concerted conservation efforts, the future of this unique species may not be as bleak as it once seemed.

The capercaillie is a symbol of Scotland’s natural beauty, and while its survival is uncertain, innovative strategies such as diversionary feeding and collaborative community efforts are proving promising. With continued focus on reducing human disturbances and addressing predation, there is hope that this extraordinary bird may one day recover from the brink of extinction.