Changes in numbers of red grouse.

Abstract

1. Numbers of red grouse shot in Britain increased from the mid-19th century to the First World War and afterwards declined.
2. This overall decline has probably been due largely to loss and deterioration of habitat, often associated with overgrazing by sheep and poorer standards of heather burning. There are also fewer keepers and less control of predators, particularly foxes and crows, than formerly. At well managed moors high bags of grouse are still shot.
3. Short-term fluctuations in grouse numbers can be attributed to variations in heather management, grazing by other animals, weather, parasites, disease, predation and changes in the birds' own behaviour.
4. Grouse numbers tend to show cycles which peak every 4-8 years. Periods with few grouse result in reduced revenue although good harvesting management can probably minimise cyclic fluctuations.