Black grouse  (Tetrao tetrix)

Between 1968-72 and 1988-91, the range of the black grouse declined by 28%. Numbers also declined; in 1990 there were an estimated 25,000 lekking males in the UK, this had fallen to just 6510 by 1996. This huge decline is due to a number of factors, including the loss of important plant food sources due to over-grazing and agricultural intensification. In order to prevent over-grazing in woodlands, high fences are often erected to exclude deer. Unfortunately, adult and juvenile black grouse are often killed after colliding with these fences. In addition to these threats, predation by foxes and crows may limit the population in some areas (7).

On many nature reserves supporting black grouse, grazing has been reduced, fences removed and predators have been controlled. These measures will help the black grouse and the capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus). However, similar measures must be applied in the wider unprotected landscape in order to safeguard the species (6); this is more of a challenge, one which the RSPB, the Forestry Commission, English Nature, Countryside Council for Wales, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Game Conservancy Trust are tackling in various recovery programmes (3). The black grouse is a priority species under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. The plan aims to promote a sustained recovery of the species over the next 20 years (3).