The conservation of the capercaillie is important not only for nature but also for humans. We particularly draw attention to the peace it needs for reproduction in spring, when it begins to sing its characteristic song.
The capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) is the largest representative of the grouse family. Its habitat consists of mountainous mixed and coniferous forests, primarily old forests with blueberries, which represent important food for it. It is most threatened by habitat loss and disturbance in the forest, most often caused by human activity.
Why is the capercaillie also important for humans?
In recent years, discussions have frequently arisen about the importance of protecting the capercaillie and the restrictions that conservation measures bring to the area of Triglav National Park. Although the capercaillie is not the only endangered species in the park, it belongs to the so-called umbrella species. Its presence indeed indicates the good preservation of the habitat. Caring for suitable living conditions for the capercaillie also means preserving a quality environment for numerous other animal and plant species. Indirectly, this also affects the quality of human life.
Biodiversity – the diversity of plant and animal species – brings numerous benefits. Environments with greater biodiversity are generally more resistant to diseases, pests, and natural disasters and recover faster after such events. Forests in such areas better perform their key functions: ecological, production, and also social.
Sensitive periods for the capercaillie
One of the most recognizable characteristics of capercaillies is spring courtship. Males then gather at special places – display sites. At exposed points, they spread their tails and sing a characteristic song consisting of two parts: "clucking" and "grinding." During the grinding phase, the male temporarily loses attention to what is happening in the surroundings, although it is otherwise a very shy bird. Due to hormonal disturbances, it can happen that individual males become unusually bold or even aggressive towards people.
The period until the end of June is particularly sensitive for the capercaillie, as that is when chick rearing takes place. Disturbance during this time can reduce nesting success.
Telemetric studies on Pokljuka show that disturbances affect the capercaillie even in winter. On sunny days with many visitors, it moves up to five times more than usual, although it can otherwise stay on the same tree for several days in a row. Such increased movement means greater energy expenditure and consequently a higher risk that it will not survive harsh winter conditions.
Quiet zones in Triglav National Park
To preserve sensitive species, so-called quiet zones have been designated in Triglav National Park. These are areas where activities are temporally or spatially limited to ensure appropriate living conditions for animals and plants. Such zones are intended for the protection of multiple species, including the capercaillie, ptarmigan, rock partridge, chamois, golden eagle, and high sedges. In total, 134 quiet zones have been designated in the park, covering approximately 10,000 hectares.
On Pokljuka, Mangart Saddle, and Vitranc, they were established as part of the Vrh Julijcev project in collaboration with experts in forestry, agriculture, mountaineering, and nature conservation, as well as landowners. In autumn 2021, 11 barriers were also installed on some forest roads on Pokljuka to further reduce disturbances in sensitive areas. Quiet zones on hiking trails and forest roads are marked with special signs.
Special rules in areas where the capercaillie lives
In Triglav National Park, 42 quiet zones have been designated, primarily for the protection of the capercaillie. During the period of greatest sensitivity – from March to the end of June – access to these areas is restricted.
In the rest of the year, walking on marked hiking trails is permitted in most areas. Particularly strict rules apply in the Mesnovec area near Rudno polje on Pokljuka, where visitation is limited year-round due to its exceptional importance for species conservation.
How can park visitors and residents contribute to species conservation?
Residents and visitors of Triglav National Park also play an important role in capercaillie conservation. We can help by following a few simple rules:
- respect temporal access restrictions to sensitive areas,
- walk on marked hiking trails and cycle on marked cycling routes,
- keep dogs on a leash in nature,
- collect forest fruits and mushrooms only where permitted and in prescribed quantities.
Such behavior helps maintain balance in nature and ensures that the habitats of the capercaillie and other species remain suitable in the future as well.
Source:
https://www.tnp.si/sl/javni-zavod/medijsko-sredisce/novice/novica/371/zakaj-je-ohranjanje-divjega-petelina-tako-pomembno.html