Forest grouse populations stabilise after years of decline, Luke says

Forest grouse populations in Finland have partly stabilised this summer after several years of decline, according to the Natural Resources Institute Finland, or Luke, as reported by Yle. Regional differences remain pronounced, with developments varying partly along an east-west divide.

In the east, in an area stretching from southeastern Finland to Kainuu, and in North Ostrobothnia, capercaillie numbers have increased, particularly. Some local increases have also been recorded among black grouse and hazel grouse.

In western Finland, forest grouse populations have declined in many areas compared with last year. The clearest decreases were recorded in Southwest Finland, along the coast of Ostrobothnia and in southern Häme.

In Lapland, populations of all forest grouse species except capercaillie have fallen.

Capercaillie and black grouse near long-term average

Across the country, capercaillie and black grouse population densities are close to last year’s levels and their long-term averages, Luke said.

Hazel grouse and willow ptarmigan populations have declined slightly. Hazel grouse density is now below its long-term average, while willow ptarmigan numbers have generally been trending downward for a long time and remain far below the average.

Although some regions show signs of improvement, no clear nationwide increase across several species has yet been observed. Luke said the situation remains particularly concerning for willow ptarmigan in its more forested distribution areas.