Recent developments at the Cantabrian capercaillie breeding center are centered in the Valsemana farm, located in the Leonese municipality of La Ercina. The long-awaited goal is to establish captive breeding of this emblematic species that inhabits the forests of the northwest Iberian Peninsula.
The capercaillie is among the Iberian Peninsula’s most endangered birds, and its status is critical. The wild census barely exceeds 200 individuals, with most of them found in León and Asturias. Efforts are underway, but researchers emphasize extreme care and sustained investment in applied breeding science, recognizing the restoration of this species as a priority for biodiversity management. This view comes from the Natural Areas, Flora and Fauna Service of the Junta de Castilla y León.
Experts note that the fragile condition of this emblematic bird makes conservation difficult. A pronounced male bias in the wild reduces natural mating opportunities, especially across a broad swath of southwestern Asturias that includes the Alto Sil region in León and the councils of Cangas del Narcea and Degaña, among others.
One of the captions from the breeding program shows a chick born in captivity in León. The center has documented the birth of several chicks, illustrating progress in captive stock.
In 2018, the work plan was reported as having two primary strands. The first is experimental, focusing on the fine-tuning of health, management, and reproductive protocols, with special emphasis on reproduction and germplasm preservation through artificial insemination and careful incubation. These trials use non-reproductive samples sourced from Central Europe, with the understanding that the lessons learned can be applied to the ultimate goal at hand.
The breeding program achieved its first wild-inspired clutches, obtaining twelve eggs, of which ten hatched. The center now has nearly a year-old cohort ready to contribute to the breeding stock. The eggs came from wild clutches, and the center refined husbandry during the early life stages to improve survival in the challenging first months.
The incubation work at the breeding center continues, with ongoing studies to ensure the young birds survive the initial months, receive proper nutrition, and stay healthy. The current success rate shows a high survival through the first year, with roughly nine out of ten chicks thriving under the program.
As with any breeding initiative, forming a robust breeding stock remains essential, and the wild population is the preferred source. National efforts are underway to compare Cantabrian specimens with Pyrenean ones, confirming that they belong to the same evolutionary unit, while Central European stock represents a different line. The León project uses this understanding to refine protocols specifically for the Cantabrian line.
The arrival of Cantabrian birds in León has allowed researchers to work with other specimens whose evolutionary integrity is less threatened, applying knowledge gained to produce the first captive-born chicks intended for eventual breeding and, potentially, for future reintroduction in the wild. The breeding strategy focuses on using Cantabrian stock as breeders, with management practices tailored to their unique biology rather than reintroducing a general approach.
Efforts must ensure that breeding samples are kept stress-free and handled by appropriate staff who will not be involved in reintroduction work. The goal is to minimize stress and maximize the wellbeing of the birds throughout the process.
On the topic of survival in natural habitats, experts remind that the capercaillie is a wild, prey species facing many dangers. Some conservation strategies include controlling mesocarnivores that prey on nests and eggs, along with mitigating other threats such as predation by martens and foxes. While these measures are important, specialists advocate for a multi-pronged approach that addresses habitat quality, food availability, and genetic diversity to secure long-term viability.
A noticeable imbalance in the sex ratio may be linked to historical changes in size and predation pressures, which can affect female survival. Genetic considerations are also part of the discussion, and a better sex balance would support population stability, in line with conservation actions seen in other Cantabrian species such as the brown bear, where growth is linked to the increase in the female population. The overall strategy emphasizes multiple directions to close existing gaps and strengthen resilience.
This note closes with a reminder that ongoing work in this field is complex and multi-layered, requiring coordination across national and regional agencies to ensure that data, protocols, and husbandry practices are harmonized for the Cantabrian capercaillie’s recovery. The emphasis remains on rigorous science, careful stewardship, and a thoughtful plan to restore a species that has endured significant pressures in its native range.