Bio∆4 - “New instruments to enhance the biodiversity of cross-border forest ecosystems” ITAT2021 A project financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) within the context of the 2014 - 2020 Interreg V-A Italy - Austria programme (2017 call for tenders). The Italian portion is co-financed by the national rotating fund (C.I.P.E. - Interdepartmental Committee for Economic Planning - resolution).
PEFC/18-22-13/03 Promuoviamo la Gestione Sostenibile delle Foreste www.pefc.it
WESTERN CAPERCAILLIE
The grouse of the Cansiglio Forest
A representative species of mountain and boreal ecosystems, the western capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) is one of the species of grouse inhabiting the Cansiglio Forest.
Best known for the sensational displays of the males during courtship, the western capercaillie lives in mature forests with large open areas and rich, yet not too thick, undergrowth, which provides food, shelter and a place to nest in.
Today, it is an endangered species at Cansiglio namely due to the effects of the following factors:
• habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation due to lack of undergrowth, increase of natural predators and climate changes;
• diminishing undergrowth habitat resulting from deer grazing;
• anthropic disturbances related to recreational activities.
In the Cansiglio Forest and other Rete Natura 2000 areas in Veneto, the periods in which tree cutting activities are allowed are compatible with this grouse’s breeding and rearing activities.
Its presence is an assurance of quality for the environment, which is why improving its habitat means contributing to the increase of an area’s biodiversity.
Western capercaillie in the Cansiglio beechwood (Photo: A. Ferro)
Ideal habitat of the Western Capercaillie (Photo: R. Luise) Western capercaillie (Photo: M. Bottazzo)
