The Mediterranean Quercus pyrenaica oak forest: a new habitat for the Capercaillie?

Abstract

We described an extension of the known distribution range of the Cantabrian Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus cantabricus into an atypical area and habitat for the species. Nine Capercaillie leks and 14 cocks were registered in Mediterranean Quercus pyrenaica forests in an area of 1,500 km 2 , of which 4,500 forest hectares were surveyed. At present, this population represents both the southern-most distribution for Capercaillie and the only one inhabiting Mediterranean Q. pyrenaica forests, what suggests a wider adaptation of this (sub)species than previously thought. This population and its habitat need to be better studied, as well as to be considered in conservation planning for Cantabrian Capercaillie.

Population genetics of the endangered Cantabrian capercaillie in northern Spain

“…Also, even though the Cantabrian capercaillie habitat mainly consists of deciduous forests (Obeso & Ba˜nuelos, 2003), other forests types are also occupied. Cluster 3 (S3 and G3) is mainly found in a P. sylvestris-dominated forest, and new capercaillie subpopulations have been found in Mediterranean Quercus pyrenaica forests of the southern slope (Gonz´alez et al, 2010). Future studies could provide information on possible habitat selection or preferential use of coniferous, Mediterranean or Eurosiberian deciduous forests, and consequently establish management strategies according to habitat characteristics of each region.…”

“…Also, the northern and southern slopes are often considered as different populations, for which independent estimates of abundance are given by the agencies conducting population censuses of capercaillie. Furthermore, the northern slope drops steeply to the Cantabrian Sea coast, while the southern slope descends gradually to the Duero river valley and central Spain's plateau, generating a greater diversity of landscapes and botanical characteristics (Pollo et al, 2003;Gonz´alez et al, 2010). The capercaillie is generally described as being highly dependent on mature forests and is characterized by low dispersal rates (Gjerde & Wegge, 1989;Swenson & Angelstam, 1993;Storch, 1995;Quevedo et al, 2006b), although other forest types may also be suitable (Rolstad & Wegge, 1990;Rolstad, Rolstad & Wegge, 2007;Miettinen et al, 2009).…”

Habitat selection and diet of Western Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus in an atypical biogeographical region

“…Until recently, the Capercaillie was thought to be restricted to the Eurosiberian biogeographical region, but a remnant population of the Cantabrian Capercaillie has recently been found in the Mediterranean biogeographical region with a supra‐Mediterranean bioclimate (González et al. 2010), south of the previously known range.…”

“…2010), south of the previously known range. This region experiences summer drought and Bilberry is very scarce (González et al. 2010).…”

“…The remnant nucleus has an estimated population of at least 17 males (comprising at least 7% of all Cantabrian males) distributed in at least nine leks and occurs in Pyrenean Oak Quercus pyrenaica forests intermingled with Scots Pine Pinus sylvestris plantations (Quevedo et al. 2006a, González et al. 2010).…”