Breaking News: Capercaillie Population Update Amid Fire Concerns in Cairngorms
The capercaillie, a bird native to Britain, was reintroduced to Perthshire in 1837 after becoming extinct in the mid-18th century. Recently, the Scottish government announced an emergency plan to boost capercaillie numbers in the Cairngorms.
Breeding male capercaillies have increased by 50% since 2020. However, their numbers have declined due to habitat loss, predation of eggs, and collisions with deer fences.
A visitor center in the area has released free-ranging reindeer onto the mountains for safety. Ross Ewing from Scottish Land and Estates described the current situation as “serious and fast-moving.” He urged the public to keep routes clear for emergency vehicles and advised landowners to prepare specialist fire equipment.
Staff at the Glenmore Outdoor Centre advised against travel to the area, urging visitors to follow guidance from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
A spokesperson for the Cairngorms National Park Authority called the fire “deeply concerning,” noting that it highlights the risks associated with drier, hotter weather.
