The Nature of Scotland – Autumn 2011 – Issue 13

NEWS
Extra rangers help capercaillie
Two national park rangers have been patrolling the islands in Loch Lomond this
summer in a bid to step up conservation of threatened capercaillie there.
Police have also been on hand to take action if necessary to protect the birds
from disturbance. Capercaillie are vulnerable to disturbance from people and
dogs, with the five Loch Lomond islands forming one area that’s affected at
busy times.
New signs have therefore been strategically placed at key launch locations
and on the islands to educate people about the bird. Leaflets have also been
distributed to boat users and other water pleasure seekers in the hope that this
will avoid further disturbance issues.
The action is required as the Loch Lomond capercaillie population is isolated
from other Scottish populations, with no immediate likelihood of numbers being
strengthened from farther north.
“This is the latest in a range of initiatives designed to help the capercaillie
establish a firmer foothold throughout Scotland,” explained Alan McDonnell,
operations manager with SNH.
“Capercaillie are under great pressure nationally due to a range of factors,
including climate change, low habitat quality, predation and disturbance of
breeding birds and young chicks. This means the species has a far from secure
future.
“We also know that recreational users may unwittingly cause disturbance by
allowing dogs to roam uncontrolled through important capercaillie areas during
the sensitive breeding season. We hope the signs, which are highly visible, will
educate people about the plight of this magnificent bird.”
Guy Keating, ranger service manager with Loch Lomond and the Trossachs
National Park, said additional SNH funding had meant they’d been able to recruit
two dedicated seasonal rangers to patrol the islands and engage with visitors
during the summer.
“We’re already seeing the benefits of this approach,” he added. “The majority
of visitors have been receptive towards the rangers and the popular camping
spots look much better than they did at this time last year.”
22 The Nature of Scotland