The capercaillie, a rare and endangered bird native to the Caledonian pine forests of Scotland, has shown signs of recovery after decades of decline. According to reports from the RSPB Abernethy, the population of male capercaillies rose from 20 in 2020 to 30 in 2025, marking a significant 50% increase amidst alarming concerns about their survival. This increase is particularly noteworthy given that the species has seen its numbers plummet from over 20,000 in the 1970s to just 532 in the wild today, the lowest figures recorded since monitoring began over 30 years ago.

The decline in capercaillie populations can be attributed to several factors, including adverse weather conditions leading to wetter springs and summers, loss of high-quality forest habitat, increased predation, and collisions with deer fences. Human disturbance, including the influence of social media, has also raised alarms about the bird's vulnerability during breeding seasons. The spring lekking behavior of male capercaillies, where they perform extravagant displays to attract females, is not only a fascinating spectacle but also critical for their mating success and overall population health.

Conservationists express cautious optimism about the future of the capercaillie. While the recent population increase offers a glimmer of hope, ongoing habitat conservation efforts and measures to mitigate human impacts are deemed crucial for sustaining these populations in the long term. The current situation underscores the importance of continued wildlife conservation initiatives in the Scottish Highlands to ensure that this iconic species does not slip further towards extinction.