This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Additional protection for the Capercaillie
21/04/2005
A new protection area in Morayshire for one of
Scotland's most endangered bird species, the capercaillie,
has been designated today.
Darnaway and Lethen Forest near Forres has become a
Special Protection Area (SPA) under the EC Birds
Directive.
The Deputy Environment and Rural Development Minister
Lewis Macdonald said:
"The Scottish Executive is committed to safeguarding our
important natural heritage. This addition to the network of
Special Protection Areas demonstrates this commitment.
"The capercaillie is part of our natural heritage and is
a striking emblem for Scotland's wild and beautiful forest
landscapes. I am hopeful that this new Special Protected
Area will further improve the capercaillie's fortunes,
building on the positive signs reported last year."
The Capercaillie is the largest grouse species to be
found in Europe. In the UK it exists only in Scotland, with
a range that is closely linked to mature coniferous
woodland, especially native Scots Pine woodland.
Other SPAs for capercaillie in Scotland that have been
classified under the Birds Directive are: Abernethy Forest,
Ballochbuie, Cairngorms, Glen Tanar, Kinveachy Forest, Loch
Lomond Islands, Craigmore Wood, Morangie Forest and
Novar.