Why Lek It Be
We can all increase the chances of capercaillie breeding successfully.
Capercaillie need our help
There are only 532 capercaillie left in the UK.
That's half the number of birds we had five years ago and the lowest recorded level in the last 30 years.
Now one of our most vulnerable birds, the Cairngorms National Park is the last remaining stronghold for capercaillie in the UK, with very few birds remaining elsewhere.
Disturbance is one of the pressures that is pushing capercaillie closer to extinction as it can stop the birds from breeding, impact their health and cause them to avoid the habitat they need to survive.
Lek It Be begins
In 2022, a birder found on a lek site was arrested for disturbance. Over 15 birders and photographers found around other lek sites were also at risk of committing a wildlife crime by disturbing breeding capercaillie.
Over 60% of commercial operators offering guided wildlife tours in the Cairngorms were looking for capercaillie during the breeding season or using capercaillie in their spring marketing. Photographers were also sharing images of capercaillie and sensitive locations online during the breeding season.
In response, the Lek It Be campaign was launched in 2023 to reduce disturbance to capercaillie during the breeding season and promote adherence to the law. As a protected species, it is a wildlife crime to intentionally or recklessly disturb breeding capercaillie.
A great start
Members of the birding, photography and guiding community spread the news asking people to Lek It Be and not look for capercaillie during the breeding season. The vast majority of birders, photographers and guides responded to the rally cry and continue to leave capercaillie in peace.
Year on year, less birders, photographers and guides are encountered during dawn patrols. Some lek sites are not disturbed at all now.
The campaign has also seen a 200% increase in wildlife guiding companies operating in the Cairngorms choosing not to look for capercaillie or use capercaillie to market their tours at any time of year. All of those companies are now Lek It Be Champions.
This breeding season
Thanks to the vast majority of birders, photographers and wildlife guides now choosing not to look for capercaillie, this breeding season is all about keeping up the good work.
To help, new guidance has been published about responsible access in capercaillie areas. Wildlife guides who are Lek It Be Champions will be leading the way and not looking for capercaillie. Rangers will be on hand from dawn throughout April and May to offer alternative capercaillie-friendly routes for anyone looking to see other forest species at first light.
Police officers will be patrolling paths around lek sites from dawn and CCTV will be in operation. Social media will also be monitored for images of capercaillie and sensitive locations being shared online.
You can help
It has never been easier to play a part and reduce disturbance to capercaillie.