Social Media Threatens Rare Wildlife with Extinction: The Dangerous Impact of Viral Exposure

With its impressive size, striking plumage, and rowdy displays, spotting a capercaillie is a dream come true for many bird enthusiasts. However, only about 530 of these large woodland grouse remain in the wild in Scotland, mainly in the Cairngorms National Park.

Conservationists are caught between raising awareness of the species’ perilous state and discouraging people from seeking them out. Despite it being illegal to disturb capercaillies during their breeding season (March to August), the allure of a prestigious sighting or photograph has led many to ignore these regulations.

In 2022, 17 people were found at or near the “lek”—the area where male birds gather to compete for female attention—according to Carolyn Robertson, project manager of the Cairngorms Capercaillie Project. That same year, a birdwatcher was caught on camera disturbing six capercaillies, causing them to flee the breeding site. Though the individual was arrested, he was only given a verbal warning, by which time the damage was likely already done.

Even brief disturbances can determine whether or not the birds breed, explains Robertson. Such disruptions raise stress levels, and there’s a high chance that the capercaillie didn’t return to the lek that morning or even for days, affecting their chances of successful breeding. Read More

News Credit: The Guardian

Picture Credit: Steve Young/Alamy

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