CONSERVATIONISTS are using inexpensive hidden cameras to monitor the capercaillie population without disturbing the endangered birds.
The cameras – dotted across the 60,000 hectares of landscape forming the Cairngorms Connect Project area – have captured more than 3000 images and videos of capercaillie.
The species is at real risk of extinction in the UK, with only 542 of the birds estimated to be left in Scotland, according to data released in September. Cairngorms Connect is a partnership that is working to enhance habitats, species and ecological processes within areas of Cairngorms National Park.
