Bern capercaillies boost at-risk population in Germany

Capercaillie from Bern to strengthen threatened population in Germany Keystone-SDA

Young capercaillies, or wood grouses, from Bern have been released into the wild in Germany. The seven birds reared at Bern Zoo are intended to strengthen the endangered capercaillie population in the Thuringian Slate Mountains.

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Bern Zoo is one of the few zoos that keep and successfully breed capercaillies, as it announced on Thursday. Breeding the largest chicken species is considered difficult.

The reintroduction was part of a comprehensive species conservation programme that the Thuringian Forest has been pursuing for years to ensure the survival of these impressive birds in the region.

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Capercaillie are rare and highly endangered in Central Europe. Populations have been declining significantly for decades. The birds are best known for their spectacular courtship behaviour. The capercaillies strut around with their tails fanned, wings lowered, beard feathers ruffled and necks stretched upwards.

In spring 2025, 12 young birds, three females and nine males, grew up in the zoo. Seven have now been released into the wild, the others to other European zoos and animal parks.

Translated from German by DeepL/ts

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