The tiny heroes keeping red grouse alive

How do red grouse thrive on one of nature’s toughest diets? New research has unravelled the mystery, with scientists discovering a remarkable community of gut microbes that help the birds digest heather.

The study, published in BMC Microbiology by Amhad, Fletcher, Hesford and Glendinning, analysed gut contents from 15 red grouse shot during the 2023 shooting season across three Scottish locations. Using DNA sequencing, researchers found 12 key microorganisms living in the birds’ digestive tracts, 11 of which are believed to be completely new to science.

The findings show that grouse possess a highly adapted gut microbiome dominated by bacteria capable of breaking down cellulose and hemicellulose, the fibres found in heather stems and leaves. One bacterium, Helicobacter_B, made up about 26% of the microbial community, though in some birds it accounted for over 60%.

“This study is the first to detail the gut microbiome of red grouse,” said a spokesperson at the GWCT. “This knowledge could help improve grouse health, productivity and survival, and guide management to promote gut-friendly diets or reduce stressors that disrupt microbial balance.”

The research opens new avenues for understanding how wild birds adapt to challenging environments, potentially informing conservation strategies that support healthy grouse populations across Britain’s upland moors.

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