Whether measures additional to the Species Action Plan and the proposed management trial need to be taken to protect capercaillie from pred…

In addition to the actions set out in the Biodiversity Species Action Plan for capercaillie, the Scottish Executive, Scottish Natural Heritage, Forestry Commission, Caledonian Partnership, RSPB and others have developed a bid for funding from the EU LIFE Nature programme directed at enhancing capercaillie populations within and adjacent to capercaillie Special Protection Areas (SPAs). It is also likely that there will be a large scale demonstration project targeted at undesignated sites.I also announced in September the provision of £700,000 for the removal and marking of deer fences in Scotland through a scheme being administered by the Forestry Commission. An additional two capercaillie SPAs have also been submitted to the European Commission for classification. Additionally, a Scottish Statutory Instrument is currently before the Scottish Parliament which will include the capercaillie on Schedule 1, Part 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. This will provide capercaillie with greater protection by making it illegal to hunt the species, and will make offences punishable by increased penalties.