The Nature of Scotland â Autumn 2011 â Issue 13
The Nature of Scotland â Autumn 2011 â Issue 13
The Nature of Scotland â Autumn 2011 â Issue 13
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NEWS<br />
Extra rangers help capercaillie<br />
Two national park rangers have been patrolling the islands in Loch Lomond this<br />
summer in a bid to step up conservation <strong>of</strong> threatened capercaillie there.<br />
Police have also been on hand to take action if necessary to protect the birds<br />
from disturbance. Capercaillie are vulnerable to disturbance from people and<br />
dogs, with the five Loch Lomond islands forming one area that’s affected at<br />
busy times.<br />
New signs have therefore been strategically placed at key launch locations<br />
and on the islands to educate people about the bird. Leaflets have also been<br />
distributed to boat users and other water pleasure seekers in the hope that this<br />
will avoid further disturbance issues.<br />
<strong>The</strong> action is required as the Loch Lomond capercaillie population is isolated<br />
from other Scottish populations, with no immediate likelihood <strong>of</strong> numbers being<br />
strengthened from farther north.<br />
“This is the latest in a range <strong>of</strong> initiatives designed to help the capercaillie<br />
establish a firmer foothold throughout <strong>Scotland</strong>,” explained Alan McDonnell,<br />
operations manager with SNH.<br />
“Capercaillie are under great pressure nationally due to a range <strong>of</strong> factors,<br />
including climate change, low habitat quality, predation and disturbance <strong>of</strong><br />
breeding birds and young chicks. This means the species has a far from secure<br />
future.<br />
“We also know that recreational users may unwittingly cause disturbance by<br />
allowing dogs to roam uncontrolled through important capercaillie areas during<br />
the sensitive breeding season. We hope the signs, which are highly visible, will<br />
educate people about the plight <strong>of</strong> this magnificent bird.”<br />
Guy Keating, ranger service manager with Loch Lomond and the Trossachs<br />
National Park, said additional SNH funding had meant they’d been able to recruit<br />
two dedicated seasonal rangers to patrol the islands and engage with visitors<br />
during the summer.<br />
“We’re already seeing the benefits <strong>of</strong> this approach,” he added. “<strong>The</strong> majority<br />
<strong>of</strong> visitors have been receptive towards the rangers and the popular camping<br />
spots look much better than they did at this time last year.”<br />
22 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Nature</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Scotland</strong>