Few living specimens
Predation pressure undermines conservation efforts: FACE (European Federation for Hunting and Conservation) has put the spotlight on a very particular case, that of the grouse In the Netherlands. Since 2013, 280 specimens have been reintroduced from Sweden to the Sallandse Heuvelrug, the last remaining area where the species still exists in the wild in the Netherlands. Today, only about 25 birds remain alive.
The triggering factors
Despite significant financial investment and Natura 2000 protection, the capercaillie population continues to decline due to a combination of:
- degraded habitat quality
- low chick survival
- high pressure regarding predation (including foxes and birds of prey)
The authorities themselves recognize that predation is a key factor, alongside habitat deterioration due to nitrogen deposition, desiccation, fragmentation, and climate change.
FACE's thought
According to FACE, this case clearly demonstrates a reality seen across Europe: habitat restoration is crucial, but it alone is not sufficient. Where vulnerable populations are small and fragmented, effective and structured predation management becomes an ecological necessity, not an ideological choice. Even well-funded reintroduction programs risk failure, and vulnerable species could disappear despite the best intentions. FACE continues to advocate for holistic, science-based wildlife management, combining habitat measures, monitoring, and, where necessary, targeted predation management to ensure real conservation outcomes.
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