Scotland’s endangered capercaillie shows promising recovery signs after intensive conservation efforts

Conservation efforts in Scotland’s ancient forests are paying off with encouraging news for one of Britain’s most endangered bird species. The capercaillie, a magnificent grouse species that calls the Caledonian pine forests of the Scottish Highlands home, is showing its first significant population increase in decades.

At RSPB Abernethy, one of Scotland’s premier nature reserves, the number of male capercaillies has grown from just 20 birds in 2020 to 30 in 2025—a remarkable 50% increase that has conservationists cautiously optimistic. This growth represents years of dedicated work by wildlife experts who have been fighting to save these charismatic birds from extinction.

The capercaillie, sometimes called the “horse of the forest” due to its impressive size, has faced severe population declines over recent decades. These iconic birds depend entirely on Scotland’s remaining fragments of ancient Caledonian pine forest, making them particularly vulnerable to habitat loss and environmental changes. Their recovery requires not just suitable forest habitat, but also careful management of the delicate ecosystem they call home.

While the increase at RSPB Abernethy offers genuine hope, conservationists emphasize that the species remains critically endangered across Scotland. The “huge amount of work” mentioned by wildlife experts includes habitat restoration, predator management, and reducing human disturbance in key breeding areas. This early success demonstrates that targeted conservation efforts can make a real difference, though sustained commitment will be essential to ensure the capercaillie’s long-term survival in Scotland’s forests.