Could feeding predators save rare capercaillie?

Scotland’s iconic capercaillie population hangs by a thread, with just 500 birds left in the wild. Now University of Aberdeen researchers believe they have found a way to boost breeding success: feed the predators instead of controlling them.

Doubling breeding success with carrion

In a three‑year Cairngorms study, researchers placed deer carrion near capercaillie nests during the critical eight‑week breeding period. The result was striking, with breeding success more than doubling from 37% to 85%. The idea is simple: give pine martens and badgers an easy meal to dissuade them from raiding nests.

But not everyone is convinced this approach provides a sustainable solution.

Gamekeepers remain sceptical

The Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA) cautions that diversionary feeding may only offer short‑term gains. “Land managers in previous trials have suggested diversionary feeding can have an initial impact until general predator levels increase, attracted by the food,” the SGA said.

This highlights a wider conservation dilemma – are such interventions reducing predation pressure or artificially sustaining predator populations that will eventually require control?

Long‑term impact remains unclear

Dr Kathy Fletcher of the GWCT agrees that more evidence is needed. “Effective monitoring is needed to ensure we understand the longer‑term effects and whether other interventions such as predator control will be needed,” she said.

The SGA’s position is clear: “Legally managing predators is more effective for practical land managers.”

Feeding or managing?

With only 18 estates taking part in the trial, the method’s scalability is another challenge. Critics also warn that feeding schemes could create dependency cycles, requiring ever‑greater intervention over time.

For traditional gamekeepers, who work with ecosystems year‑round rather than in eight‑week windows, the key question is not whether diversionary feeding works temporarily – but whether it builds true long‑term resilience or simply delays the inevitable need for effective predator management.

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