This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Hunting ban on capercaillie
02/11/2001
The statutory ban on the hunting of capercaillie, one of
Scotland's most endangered birds, will come into force from
Sunday, November 4.
Environment and Rural Development Minister Ross Finnie
believes the ban, along with other measures, will go a long
way to the conservation of the species.
Mr Finnie said:
"There has been much concern throughout Scotland
regarding the future of the capercaillie. This concern was
recognised in the Scottish Executive paper
The Nature of Scotland where we proposed a ban on
its hunting. On 4 November, we will make good on that
proposal."
The capercaillie is in serious decline in Scotland,
having suffered a population drop from around 20000 in the
1970s, to an estimated 1073 in 1998-99. It is believed that
the main cause of the decline is climatic; mainly a series
of wet, cold springs which affects breeding success. Other
contributory factors may include land-use changes, impact
of predators and collision with forest fences.
A major bid has also been made for European funding to
support the species. Half of the necessary £4.5m budget is
being sought from the EU LIFE Nature programme to finance
capercaillie management measures such as habitat
improvement, predator control, population monitoring and
the creation of a capercaillie ranger service.
Commenting on the bid for European funding, Mr Finnie
said:
"The Executive is pleased to be a significant
stakeholder in the bid for EU LIFE nature funding. The
application, with a total budget of £4.5m, aims to provide
a strategic focus for capercaillie conservation in
Scotland, coupled with a range of practical actions to
assist its recovery.
"I am delighted to back this important project and am
sure that the hunting ban, along with the proposed
management measures, will go a long way to provide
additional protection for this threatened species.
"Our commitment to Scotland's environment remains
resolute. I am delighted that the First Minister has
announced plans for a Natural Heritage Bill. This Bill will
ensure that we have a sound platform to enhance our care of
Scotland's many priceless natural assets including, of
course, the Capercaillie."
A Scottish Statutory Instrument comes into effect on 4
November 2001 placing the capercaillie on Schedule 1 Part 1
of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981. This has the
effect of making it illegal to shoot the species and
provides increased penalties for offences involving the
bird. The maximum fine which can be imposed will rise from
£1000 to £5000 for each offence.
LIFE-Nature provides funding for actions aimed at the
conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and
flora. It contributes to the implementation of the "Birds"
and "Habitats" EC Directives, and in particular to the
establishment of the European network of protected areas -
Natura 2000. The assistance is aimed at on-site management
and conservation of the most valuable fauna and flora
species and habitats in the European Union.
Under the EC Wild Birds Directive, Member States are
obliged to protect rare and endangered species and
migratory birds through a combination of site
classification and associated measures. In collaboration
with Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), The Scottish
Executive has developed a programme to classify the most
appropriate sites. Following consultations with owners,
occupiers and other local interests about proposed
classifications, SNH recommends SPAs to Scottish Ministers
for classification. Under the terms of the Conservation
(Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994, development
which would damage the conservation interest can only
proceed if there are no alternative solutions and there are
imperative reasons of overriding public interest.
The Nature of Scotland, published on 7 March 2001, set
out proposals for reform of the Sites of Special Scientific
Interest system and improved protection for wildlife across
the countryside. Over 200 responses to the Nature of
Scotland were received - the great majority were in support
of the policies proposed. A broad range of respondents
expressed support, including land management interests,
environmental organisations and many members of the public.
The Executive has established an Expert Working Group
involving land managers, conservationists and others to
develop the detail of the proposals contained in the Nature
of Scotland.