The uncertain future of the capercaillie is a little more secure, thanks to the careful forestry and wildlife management being carried out by the Rothiemurchus Estate in the heart of the Cairngorms. While completing their annual 'stock take' of wildlife at the turn of the year, Rothiemurchus staff have been delighted to note that, for the fourth consecutive year, they have the best breeding success amongst all the monitored capercaillie populations in Scotland.

The Game Conservancy Trust carries out the breeding surveys every summer across several estates in the Highlands. Estate Rangers use this information, and other data collected through the year, to update their wildlife database, and this enables them to make informed management plans for species conservation.

Capercaillie became extinct in Scotland in the mid 18th century, due to a combination of factors including habitat destruction and hunting. It was reintroduced in the mid 19th century, but its numbers are still precarious, with fewer than 2,000 remaining.

Rothiemurchus, along with other estates, is an active participant in the Caledonian Partnership EU LIFE Nature project, entitled "Urgent Conservation Management for Scottish Capercaillie", co-funded by the Forestry Commission Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). This recognises the long-term importance of the capercaillie in a Scottish context, and targets conservation efforts where they are most likely to achieve the maximum benefits.

Rothiemurchus Estate has contributed to the LIFE project through:

	the removal of 5,500 metres of deer fencing (into which the birds can fly)
	agreed predator control of foxes, mink and crows in core habitat areas
	regular planning, liaison and site meetings with LIFE project staff
	keeping meticulous records of signs and sightings, and helping to monitor the
	breeding successes

The Capercaillie Project Officer, Kenny Kortland, who works for RSPB, SNH and Forestry Commission Scotland, said:

"Rothiemurchus Estate staff have done a great job - particularly because capercaillie populations in adjacent forests have also increased over the last few years. This is partly a result of the excellent breeding success observed on Rothiemurchus, and demonstrates that management for capercaillie must be carried out on a large, 'multi-estate' scale if it is to be successful."

Johnnie Grant of Rothiemurchus said:

"This is excellent news for Rothiemurchus and also for capercaillie! All who work here are pleased to see the results of all the hard work put in, throughout the year, by our stalkers, keepers, rangers and forester, for wildlife protection.

We would now ask our visitors to continue to play their part by ensuring that their dogs are kept well under control, ideally on a lead, while walking through Rothiemurchus especially in the breeding season from April to September."

Gregor Rimell, Councillor Badenoch East said:

"I very much appreciate the efforts which the Rothiemurchus Estate makes for the benefit of the community, the environment and tourism, and this is just one example."