Weiss, H. 1997: Isolation and decline of marginal capercaillie Tetrao urogallus subpopulations in the northern Black Forest. - Wildl. Biol. 3: 276.
A high density capercaillie Tetrao urogallus population occurred in the mountains of the northern Black Forest in the 19th century. During that period, the non-industrial exploited forests, also impacted by grazing and littering, had been optimal habitats, similar to the original virgin Taiga forests in the northern hemisphere of Europe and Asia. As these woodlands were restored to productive, economically-oriented forests, their quality as capercaillie habitat decreased. Thus, the formerly dense grouse population was diminished, leaving only marginal and isolated subpopulations, which are endangered and threatened with total extinction. Three of these 'isles' were examined, concerning the changing numbers in the capercaillie populations and the change in space and structure of the habitat. This was done by evaluating yearly counts of displaying cocks and forest inventory data and maps of the last four decades. The results may provide important insight for silvicultural decisions as management that may positively impact capercaillie populations.
Key words: capercaillie, management, northern Black Forest, Tetrao urogallus
Helmut Weiss, Schönklingstrasse 22, 75339 Hoefen, Germany