Capercaillie conservation in Czech Republic

Efforts to protect the capercaillie population in the Czech Republic have focused on both monitoring existing numbers and active reintroduction programs.

In the Krkonoše Mountains, the population shows signs of stabilization following a long-term decline from 135 males in 2001 to 74 in 2017. A recent census recorded 53 displaying males, a slight decrease from 56 males three years prior. While experts from the Krkonoše National Park (KRNAP) express cautious optimism, they warn that genetic isolation remains a major risk factor for a potential collapse.

In the Beskydy mountains, Lesy ČR has implemented a large-scale reintroduction initiative. This autumn, a record 82 captive-bred capercaillie—comprising 44 males and 38 females—were released into the wild. The program utilizes mountain acclimatization aviaries to foster natural behaviors and relies on breeding females to raise chicks to ensure survival skills. To complement these releases, foresters are managing habitats by thinning forest stands, promoting blueberry growth, and protecting nesting areas from human disturbance.