Numbers and distribution of Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix males in England: results from the fourth survey in 2014

Abstract

Capsule A survey in 2014 of male Black Grouse in England showed a continuation of declines in North Northumberland and increases in the North Pennines and Yorkshire Dales.

Aims To survey the abundance and range of Black Grouse males in northern England.

Methods Males attending leks were surveyed in spring 2014 and numbers compared with previous surveys in 1998, 2002 and 2006.

Results Abundance increased from 773 males in 1998 to 1437 in 2014 and range from 74 occupied 5 × 5-km grid squares in 1998 to 108 in 2014.

Conclusion Whilst numbers and range of Black Grouse in England have increased overall, the species has practically disappeared from North Northumberland, causing a 34 km gap to develop in the range, potentially preventing interchange between the English and Scottish populations.