Is RSPB ‘point-scoring’ in capercaillie crisis?

RSPB Scotland has urged NatureScot to take action regarding the release of gamebirds on, or adjacent to, capercaillie Special Protection Areas (SPAs). 

In a series of emails last summer the RSPB suggested that the release of gamebirds could be a contributory factor to the capercaillie crisis. In one, the RSPB told NatureScot it was “increasingly concerned about pheasant releases and gamebird rearing near capercaillie SPAs”, noting “we have observed capercaillie declines in the areas closest to gamebird releases”. 

The RSPB also says gamebird release could be impacting the capercaillie through “competition, increase in parasite burden, import of disease” and an “increase in generalist predators”. A spokesman for the Scottish Gamekeepers Association said that where pheasants are released, predators are controlled legally by keepers and “increased predation should not be a major issue”. 

In response to the emails, NatureScot said little was known about the negative impact of pheasants on areas inhabited by capercaillie in Scotland, and it currently has no legal authority to require land managers to apply for consent to release gamebirds outside of protected areas. 

Rufus Sage, head of lowland game bird research at the GWCT, said: “This focus on pheasant release as a major issue lacks supporting evidence and may divert attention from the more significant challenges faced by capercaillie, such as predation and habitat loss. Addressing these fundamental issues is much more complex than simply blaming gamebird releases.” 

Claire Smith, senior conservation officer at RSPB Scotland, said: “The RSPB has expressed concern about the impacts released gamebirds may have on capercaillie and other native species for many years. As capercaillie are closely related to pheasants and red-legged partridges they are susceptible to the same parasites and diseases. We expressed these concerns as part of the consultation on the Capercaillie Emergency Plan, highlighting the need for specific action and funding for further research on reducing parasitic pressure. We were pleased to see this included in the final plan and continue to call for proactive action from NatureScot around the release of gamebirds on, or adjacent to, SPAs.” 

Conservationist and author Patrick Laurie told Shooting Times: “It seems odd that shooters and gamekeepers, who have done so much for capercaillie over the years, are being attacked behind the scenes by their partners in what is supposed to be a collaborative attempt to protect these birds. 

“Capercaillie will certainly vanish if we can’t work together, so it’s deeply disappointing to discover the extent to which partner organisations are squabbling and backbiting to score wider points.”