Capercaillie Emergency Plan 2025 - 2030 - Flipbook - Page 27
Monitoring vole populations
Grassland field voles and forest bank voles play a crucial role in influencing
predator populations that impact capercaillie productivity because the species
are primary prey for predators such as pine martens. Vole abundance has
appeared as the main predictor of capercaillie population growth rate in the
Capercaillie Integrated Population Model. The model has highlighted the
importance of voles in partially explaining the multi-year cycle in capercaillie
productivity. Vole numbers fluctuate widely in a 3 to 4-year cycle, so monitoring
vole abundance and understanding the stage of the vole cycle allows us to
anticipate when predators might switch to targeting capercaillie more heavily.
Objective
Survey vole abundance bi-annually across the core capercaillie range to inform
the deployment of predator management actions.
Actions by 2030
1. Design an upscaled approach to survey vole abundance bi-annually across
the capercaillie range in the National Park based on existing vole monitoring
undertaken by Forestry and Land Scotland and the University of Aberdeen.
2. Recruit and train a team of volunteers to assist with the survey / data collection.
3. Input data gathered to the Capercaillie Integrated Population Model to inform
predator management strategies.
Measures of success
4.
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Ability to accurately predict periods of increased predator pressure on capercaillie.
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A decrease in the predation of capercaillie nests and eggs and an increase in
capercaillie survival rates informed by regular and reliable data on vole abundance.
5.
6.
7.
Partners (alongside the Park Authority and NatureScot)
§
Forestry and Land Scotland
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University of Aberdeen
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Volunteer Cairngorms
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