uplandScience for Sustainable Wildlife Use

A win-win situation?

Hare today…

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toothandclaw.org.uk Science for sustainability – from to the Serengeti

Success in achieving the long term use of our biodiversity is closely linked to the extent to which conservation and management can integrate the cultural, social and economic aspirations of people, with the ecological functioning of our environment.

This is as true today in Scotland – where most land is In the following pages we provide an introduction managed for a mixture of farming, forestry and to some of the research undertaken at the Macaulay sporting purposes – as it is in much of the developing Institute which is related to the sustainable use of world, where subsistence farming and natural resource wildlife. Much of this work is based in Scotland and use is widespread, and particularly important for focuses on our most iconic species – red deer, red- impoverished rural communities. grouse, mountain hares – and their management The sustainable use of biodiversity generates systems which arose in Victorian times and now need passionate views, both in the scientific and to fit the 21st century. conservation community, and more widely in society. Increasingly, however, we are working in the This is particularly the case in relation to the use of international arena and our Scottish research is wildlife here in Scotland where our strong sporting relevant to the global paradigm of sustainable use. heritage has led to large areas of the uplands being The work presented here demonstrates that managed for grouse shooting and deer stalking, but sustainable use is contentious and requires both good a common public perception is that this is at odds with science and wide public debate. In this regard we are conservation, animal welfare and access to wilderness delighted to have formed a collaboration with the areas. Tooth & Claw initiative who are addressing many of With such potential for controversy, it is essential these issues in an innovative and visually stimulating that biodiversity use is underpinned by a strong way in the context of society’s relationship with science base to ensure that appropriate management predators. We are grateful to Tooth & Claw for decisions are taken. The science base must incorporate providing access to their extensive library of stunning ecological relationships – such as the effects of wildlife images with which we have illustrated this parasites and predators on the population dynamics publication. of harvested species, or the wider biodiversity impacts Much of this work has been funded by the Scottish of grazing by wild herbivores. Government with added value from other funds Equally, such ecological relationships must be including RCUK’s RELU programme and the EU. placed in their social and economic context, as We hope you enjoy reading upland, and please get ultimately it is people who rely on and make decisions in touch if you have any comments or questions. about wildlife use and management. An understanding of the social and economic contexts in which Best wishes, decisions are made regarding biodiversity and its Simon Thirgood & Stefano Fiorini management, is as important as an understanding of the underlying ecology. [email protected] A win-win situation?

Experts suggest feasibility study into ceiling on harrier numbers Two scientists involved in the high- intervention to limit harrier densities, profile studies of hen harriers and red citing European legislation which grouse at Langholm Moor have called prevents such action.” for field trials of a “ceiling” on harrier “We feel that a fundamental numbers in an attempt to end the change in attitude is required from all long running conflict between parties to resolve the conflict between conservationists and grouse managers. harriers and grouse. If those involved High densities of hen harriers are genuinely wish to strive for a solution incompatible with driven grouse then compromises will be required shooting and consequently, game- and attitudes to predators, their keepers illegally kill these protected control and their protection, will have birds of prey. As a result, harriers are to be modified to accommodate absent from large areas of apparently changed circumstances.” suitable moorland habitat. Last September, a £3m follow up to In a paper published in the Journal to harrier numbers on grouse moors the Langholm project was launched of Applied Ecology, Dr Simon Thirgood could be agreed locally by interested by a partnership of organisations and Professor Steve Redpath from the parties, and that additional birds could including Scottish Natural Heritage, Centre for Environmental then be safely moved to other areas. RSPB, GWCT, Natural England and Sustainability (ACES) suggest that the “If successful, this could prove to Buccleuch Estates. The ten year project most effective way of improving the be a way to both minimise the local is focusing on the use of ‘diversionary conservation status of harriers on impact of predation on grouse moors feeding’ – providing alternative food grouse moors might be to apply local and increase the national population for the harriers to reduce their “ceilings” to the number of breeding of harriers – providing a ‘win-win’ predation on grouse chicks. birds. situation for harrier conservation According to Professor Redpath, questions remain as to the effectiveness of this approach. “Our earlier work demonstrated that feeding harriers can greatly reduce predation rates on grouse chicks. However, we still do not know how feeding will affect harrier numbers in the long term and indeed whether fed harriers and grouse shooting can coexist. “Some of these issues will be addressed by ongoing work at Langholm. However, we suggest that the quickest way of finding an effective solution to this problem is to simultaneously make progress on different fronts – it is sensible to test Professor Redpath said: “All moors and grouse management.” a ‘harrier ceiling’ now, and not wait can cope with some harriers, but few Progress in reconciling the two for ten years until the Langholm Moor gamekeepers allow any of these camps had reached a stand-still with Demonstration Project is complete.” predators to breed because of the both sides distrusting each other, and fear that numbers will subsequently a ceiling system was worth a “serious For more information contact flourish. A ceiling scheme is a way of look” as an acceptable compromise, Simon Thirgood encouraging grouse managers to put he added. [email protected] an end to illegal killing of harriers, safe “Hunters have been slow to in the knowledge that numbers will recognise that illegal killing of raptors not reach densities where they can is unacceptable in 21st Century society threaten the viability of their grouse where there is strong support for moors.” conservation. Conservationists, on Dr Thirgood said they proposed the other hand, have been unwilling

images this spread toothandclaw.org.uk a large-scale trial where a ceiling to compromise over any form of

Seeing red

Public statements made in the national In the north – where grouse are less hen harrier-grouse debate often ignore economically important – lack of trust the local perspective, according to a was not perceived to be such an Scottish survey. important barrier between the groups. According to the authors, the study The debate originated and still shows that the organisations involved persists in south west Scotland, where need to be aware of the various both hen harriers and livelihoods have feelings and motivations of those suffered. working on the ground. Dr Marshall said: “Our study reveals The majority of those with shooting where individuals essentially coincide interests thought local grouse manage- in their views, and where they ment was impeded by legislation they disagree – either substantively, or felt favoured conservation interests. in terms of the importance assigned Twenty-seven people involved in to a particular issue. grouse management responded to “Both sides agree that an the interview and questionnaire on independent mediator could help them the issue. make progress in areas of agreement. In the same Macaulay study, “The various views and perceptions 17 conservationists questioned said “Understanding the held by those responsible for the they thought value differences day to day use, management, and between themselves and the hunting complexity of these protection of the resources in a lobby was the greatest obstacle. views could help in conflict, are integral to the debate. The groups disagree over the developing solutions” “These are important considerations protection of hen harriers, which in relation to conflict management, predate red grouse. Grouse are According to lead author, Dr Keith where revealing the complexity of traditionally hunted for sport and Marshall, the national debate over hen the views could improve mutual under- many estates see this as central to harrier conservation and their impact standing and thereby help in the their role in countryside management. on driven shooting interests has led development of potential solutions.” According to conservationists, to a perceived stalemate, with those The study was recently published hen harriers were almost driven to on the ground frustrated by a lack of in the journal Biodiversity and extinction through persecution in progress. Conservation. the last century. “It is clear from our study that Although they are now protected many remarks made by organisations For more information contact by law, some persecution still goes on, nationally are in fact antagonising Keith Marshall and published research has shown that individuals within the other camp.” [email protected] hen harriers can sometimes have a big This polarisation of views was

images this spread toothandclaw.org.uk impact on grouse numbers. strongest in the north east of Scotland. The question is contentious, and one that has been argued about for many decades, but Professor Steve Albon asks… Are there too many deer? David Riley “As always the answer depends on health of both game species and because growth rates are typically your perspective. humans. slow, are avoided. The manager of a sporting estate In practice, the evidence is that So, one might ask, why is there an will probably err on the side of lowering numbers will almost certainly ongoing debate about too many deer? relatively high numbers to produce benefit all four interests since growth, The answer is complex. enough mature stags to shoot as reproduction and survival all improve First, despite increased culls, red trophies. In contrast, a conservationist at lower densities, because there is deer numbers continue to rise, almost attempting to permit natural wood- more food. Reducing density has been certainly associated with our changing land generation will want much lower shown to lead to higher recruitment climate leading to warmer springs with numbers. rates, particularly of males, greater calves born earlier and heavier, and Similarly, a member of the general body growth, and ultimately, larger enhancing their viability to survive the public concerned about animal welfare antlers. winters, which have become milder, may want lower numbers to minimise Intuitively, more food at lower too. the risk of winter starvation. Or the deer densities should also mean that Second, these growing populations welfare issues might be indirect preferred plants, typically, grasses are seen by some as a threat to our because red deer support large tick and sedges, can be selected, while less ‘iconic’ heather moors, which until populations which impact on the nutritious woody plants, vulnerable recently were grazed, for at least part of the year, by increasing numbers of the presence of deer in one area – the numbers of red deer are likely to sheep, too. Since, red deer and sheep Cairngorm-Speyside. Furthermore in continue to grow. Where sheep remain, select similar diets within this habitat five of these areas the impact of sheep and deer densities rise above 15 per there has been a polarised, and often was significantly greater than deer. km2, increased culling may be the only heated, argument which has pitched The results of this work have way to constrain the rate of population either sheep or deer as the “villain of important implications for managers growth and, in turn, reduce the the piece” in terms of the loss of of upland estates in Scotland. utilisation of heather. heather moor. In particular, the trend of removing Finally, there is an opportunity to But until last year the problem sheep from the open-hill following reconsider the issue of whether heavy was an absence of any wide scale recent CAP reform is likely to lead to herbivore impact, is an undesirable empirical data of the grazing and a reduction in grazing and trampling outcome, rather than a dynamic trampling impact associated with pressure, which should halt further process. Light grazing will maintain either the presence of sheep versus degradation of heather moor. heather-dominated habitats but grass- deer on any open-hill vegetation However, since red deer also prefer to dominated ones require moderate or community, or the variation in deer forage in grass patches, they may fill greater levels of grazing impact. density seen across landscapes. the ‘vacuum’ left by the removal of The debate is really about how the Now the Macaulay has shown sheep, hindering re-colonisation by guild of herbivores in the uplands that on Dry-shrub heath in 11 Deer heather. are managed to create or maintain Management Groups spread across Unfortunately, understanding of landscapes with different ecological Scotland, the presence of sheep the extent to which red deer will properties and visual characteristics.” compared to their apparent absence change their behaviour when sheep (not recorded present) had a are removed is largely anecdotal. For more information contact significant grazing impact on heather, Addressing this knowledge gap Steve Albon whereas this was only true for is a priority, especially given that [email protected] Stefano Fiorini

What drives deer numbers? indicate that reproductive rates – that is the number of A study looking for the factors controlling deer numbers in calves per hind – decrease in rainy winters,” said Dr Pérez- Scotland has found the number of calves per hind decrease Barbería in rainy winters. These results are the first to come from the study which According to Dr Pérez-Barbería, understanding what is investigating the factors behind changing deer numbers drives the population dynamics of deer is of paramount in Scotland. importance as they are the main ‘engineers’ of the wild Number of calves per hind is higher at the end of winter Scottish landscape. in populations in the west of Scotland when compared to “There is a need for consistent and reliable information those east of the Great Glen, and Dr Pérez-Barbería believes on population dynamics across Scotland to predict deer that the more sheltered habitats of the west might be the numbers under both climatic and rural policy changes. cause. This is why we are setting up the basis of long-term deer This is supported by results from his larder analysis that population monitoring.” indicate that forest hinds are more fertile than those from Dr Pérez-Barbería is investigating what drives deer the open hills. populations using three integrated approaches – historical In many places in Scotland, reproductive rates were records of deer surveys; long term monitoring of body found to decrease as deer numbers increased – indicating condition in larders; and experimentally assessing the that many populations have exceeded their available effect of weather on the grazing behaviour of – and habitat. Males are suffering more as their body weights interaction between – deer and sheep. decrease faster than females’ as the population increases. This information is combined with climate records and habitat to investigate the contribution of each to changes For more information contact in deer populations. Javier Pérez-Barbería “The historical records of the last forty years clearly [email protected] It’s good to talk

New partnerships utilising the experiences of stalkers, gamekeepers and policy makers aim to develop sustainable deer management in Scotland.

Ways to integrate local knowledge into currently being tested by Macaulay is central to sustainable management. computer based systems – allowing researchers. Their approach will provide the basis the evaluation of local deer manage- Deer range across boundaries and for management decisions to be made ment at the landscape scale – are agreeing how deer use the landscape across neighbouring estates. Project co-ordinator Dr Stefano Fiorini hopes the system will eventually become an essential tool for deer managers across the country. “Unrealistic predictions by scientists can lead to dissatisfaction and disengagement with both land managers and policy makers.” To help resolve this, Dr Fiorini’s team sought the views of a range of people working with deer, to find the discrepancies between the scientific predictions and actual deer movements. According to Dr Fiorini, these discussions revealed that the inaccuracies are in part due to differences in the importance placed on habitat and shelter by scientists and deer managers. “In addition, our ecological models need to take into account man-made impacts on habitat use such as the locations of fences and footpaths,” he added.

images this page toothandclaw.org.uk This current application of PGIS (Participatory Geographic Information Systems) aims to improve under- RELU Fellowships standing of the factors responsible for An opportunity for partnership building deer movements, and to predict future distributions resulting from changes in climate or policies. Team members based at Macaulay The new model, modified by this and the have stakeholder knowledge will be tested also facilitated access to the RELU at a series of workshops planned for Fellowship program allowing further 2008. opportunities for stakeholders’ This work is part of a wider project engagement with the project. investigating how managing deer for Mark Lazzeri from the Assynt hunting and sporting objectives can Foundation took advantage of be reconciled with managing deer for the opportunity provided by the Mark Lazzeri natural heritage objectives. Fellowship scheme and joined during Dr Fiorini said: “As wild deer are November 2007. and research. My problem – and I free-ranging they often cross owner- Here he shares his thoughts of the suppose it is actually a happy one – ship boundaries where these contrast- pros and cons of the experience. is that I can see so many potential ing objectives exist. Investigating how “My initial thoughts on this topic benefits, that I want to start imple- to reconcile these objectives is a key were that there are no cons to taking menting everything straight away. feature of this project.” up a RELU fellowship; I certainly had I cannot believe that anyone, other The RELU (Rural Economy and an extremely useful and enjoyable than perhaps the most hardened cynic Land Use Programme) funded project week. The downside is probably would fail to benefit and enjoy the aims to understand how well people a direct result of my character experience of a RELU Fellowship. involved in deer management work rather than any intrinsic flaw in The researchers made me feel together, and how this can be the Fellowship process. The problem welcome and were very supportive improved. is that I am now more frustrated and making participation in discussions The project will act as a case study have more work. easy. I am sure that the contacts that will inform the management of It is a number of years since I left I made during the Fellowship visit will other rural resources. the world of research and academia strengthen and that more formal links Dr Fiorini said that the project finally to become a practising land may be established in the future. differs from previous research by manager on an estate in NW Scotland. I am now an even stronger advocate putting stakeholders at the centre of The time spent with the researchers of involving industry (particularly land the work. helped to encourage me to tackle management) with academic research “From the outset the research some of our practical problems in a and will actively promote this has been influenced and modified by more logical and perhaps scientific approach.” direct engagement with deer managers manner. It enabled me to establish The Assynt Foundation owns about and practitioners, as well by engaging contacts with a number of interesting 44500 acres of what was traditional with representatives of relevant and interested people whom I can deer forest, 11000 acres of which fall government agencies, NGOs and sector contact for opinions and advice. within SSSI and/or SAC designations. representatives.” There are so many things that I now The Foundation is developing a As well as the Macaulay, the project want to incorporate into our estate deer management programme, in involves researchers from Forest management policies. From the way conjunction with Deer Commission for Research, the Universities of Aberdeen, discussion groups were organised, Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage. Edinburgh, St. Andrews and York, and through the process of the “choices The aim is to reduce the resident deer the Durrell Institute of Conservation analysis” work to the opportunities population to allow regeneration and Ecology. for involving other land managers of woodland and recovery of other (in the widest sense) in recording degraded habitats. For more information contact Stefano Fiorini [email protected] Hare today… gone tomorrow?

Mountain hare populations are under threat from habitat loss, climate change, and local over-exploitation, and are thought to have sharply declined in numbers in Great Britain.

The Macaulay’s mountain hare research aims to provide the evidence for sound, sustainable management of one of Scotland’s most iconic species. Status in maintaining declining populations or Understanding Cycles The Scottish mountain hare is native recolonising previously occupied areas. Analysis of hunting records of the to the highlands of Scotland. They are Dispersal is not well understood number of hares killed each year typically more numerous in central and and our research aims to better under- on individual sporting estates suggests eastern areas where they are strongly stand how mountain hare populations that around 50% of mountain hare associated with heather moorland that are linked by the movement of populations are cyclic and show is managed for red grouse, and they individuals and to identify whether regular changes in density every 5–15 likely benefit from the habitat manage- juveniles or adults, for example, are years. ment and predator control aimed at more likely to disperse than other The reasons for these regular improving grouse densities. individuals, and over what distances. fluctuations remain unclear. Parasites Mountain hares are listed under EC and food availability can cause Habitats Directive (1992), as a species Management population cycles – however the ‘of community interest whose taking Mountain hares are a traditional relative importance of these two in the wild and exploitation may be quarry species and are an important factors compared to the many other subject to management measures’ and source of revenue for many sporting factors that affect population density member States are required to ensure estates. They are also killed to control is not always clear, and remains an the conservation status of mountain numbers on grouse moors, to protect important question. hares is maintained and that their forestry plantation, woodland Undertaking parasite reduction and populations are managed sustainably. regeneration, and crops. supplementary feeding experiments, Mountain hares have recently been Mountain hares are an important our research aims to provide a better designated a UK Biodiversity Action host for sheep ticks and can, in some understanding of the role of disease Plan Species. circumstances, play a key role in the and nutrition on mountain hare transmission of the louping-ill virus, populations and population cycles. Dispersal and reliable anecdotal evidence Human pressure and climate change suggests they are increasingly subject 5 4 are generating an increasingly frag- to management culls as part of tick 3 mented landscape in which natural and louping-ill control programmes. 2

populations are becoming more Our work understanding how FECUNDITY 1 isolated and prone to greater risk of mountain hare populations respond 0 CONTROL TREATED local extinction, over-exploitation, to different levels of harvest or culling Removing parasites in winter has no impact or frustrated dispersal. is vital for the species sustainable on survival or condition, but it improves female In such fragmented landscapes management. breeding success the following summer. the movements of animals are critical For more information contact Scott Newey

[email protected] Scott Newey Living with change Suggestions that deer are moving into upland areas previously grazed by sheep are currently being investigated by the Macaulay.

Researchers are measuring grazing impacts on heather “We are analysing data on heather browsing from across moorland in areas with and without sheep, to investigate all the sites, to determine if sheep differ from deer in their the consequences of sheep removal for these important impact on heather,” said Dr Irvine. habitats. “Although the grazing impact on heather is likely to vary Project leader, Dr Justin Irvine said: “Whilst recent in relation to sheep and deer grazing pressure, what is more Common Agricultural Policy reform has led to a steady important is the impact this has on the biodiversity of these reduction in sheep numbers on hillsides, deer numbers have habitats,” he added. been reported to have simultaneously increased – possibly The researchers predict some areas will be able to due to changes in both habitat and climate. support more grazing animals than others and still maintain “There is some evidence that deer are now moving in their biodiversity. Soil fertility, and snow or rainfall may well to graze these areas vacated by sheep – but what will this be partially responsible for this variation. mean for these vitally important habitats?” “In addition, the survey is supported by experimental Initially sixteen study sites have been selected along an work at the Macaulay’s Glensaugh Research farm,” said east-west gradient in northern Scotland. Eight of these sites Dr Irvine. have reduced sheep numbers, and eight nearby or adjacent “Using satellite tracking we are investigating how deer sites have sheep at conventional stocking densities. habitat-use and grazing impacts respond to the removal of Measurements at each site include the amount of grazing sheep. The technology allows intensive monitoring of free on heather, the vegetation height, recording the plant ranging deer and sheep grazing together over an area species present, and dung counts for deer, sheep and grouse. representative of the open hill.” To see if deer are moving into sites without sheep, dung count data will be analysed to determine if sites with For more information on this project email reduced sheep numbers also have higher deer dung counts Justin Irvine than sites that are grazed by both deer and sheep. [email protected] Stefan Weigt Age old problem Using its teeth to estimate the age of a deer is common practice – but just how accurate is it?

Stalkers and deer managers regularly the first permanent lower molar The Macaulay’s Dr Javier Pérez- use the pattern of teeth eruption and (see bottom image). Barbería, who led the study said: the degree of teeth wear to estimate A third of the samples estimated “Accurate estimate of age is of age in deer (see top right image). by stalkers were in agreement with paramount importance in under- With somewhere between 60,000 the age estimated in the laboratory, standing many aspects of animal life. and 70,000 red deer culled annually and a further 31% and 16% within a “Without a reasonable estimate of across Scotland – with many of year or two of being correct. the age of the animals in a population them in remote areas – it would be There was almost complete agree- we cannot make any interpretation impossible to assess the age of all of ment when estimating the age of of their body size, age of reaching them with any other method, so it animals younger than a year old. maturity, reproductive condition, is important then to evaluate how However, stalkers over-estimated the life span, and ageing processes.” accurate this technique can be. age of the males for most of the age The age estimated by stalkers from classes. For more information contact the lower jaws of 522 red deer were They also had a tendency to Javier Pérez-Barbería compared against the age measured in overestimate the age of hinds younger [email protected] the laboratory by counting the cement than 7 years, and to underestimate the layers deposited on the root pad of age of those older than 7 years.

Teeth wear, as shown in this 11 year old stag (below), is regularly used to estimate the age of deer after culling. Laboratory measurements use the number of cement layers from a molar (left) with each band corresponding to a year of life. 3 images David Riley Ticked-off

The recent explosion in tick numbers is already having a huge impact on the Scottish countryside, according to Macaulay researchers. Lyme disease is caused by spirochaete bacteria, Borrelia, which are transmitted by infected ticks. There are several types that differ in their ability to cause disease, differ in Intensive hare culling, smaller grouse England where alternative tick-hosts clinical symptoms, and differ in the bags and localised exclusion of deer, are absent. hosts that support transmission have all been brought about by the “It is not known how well they will between ticks feeding on them. increase in ticks and tick-borne work in Scotland on estates where deer Lyme disease is the most prevalent diseases, says Dr Lucy Gilbert. or hare are also present.” arthropod-borne disease in Europe “Ticks are of increasingly urgent The Game & Wildlife Conservation and Northern America. Human cases concern because of the diseases they Trust is looking into this with field have increased by 350% over the past spread, such as Lyme Borelia and trials, whilst the Macaulay – together decade in the UK, and in Scotland Louping ill,” she said, “and we have with Stirling University – is modelling 171 cases were reported in 2006. seen a number of estates respond to the effectiveness of tick mops under Borrelia can be transmitted by their greater tick numbers within different deer management regimes. various birds and small mammals the last few years. As well as looking at the effective- such as voles and mice. Deer do not “These measures are bound to ness of these control measures, support transmission, but they can have an impact on biodiversity and the Macaulay researchers are also support large tick populations. rural economy – but the key question investigating what role climate Of the three active tick stages, is: ‘will they actually control ticks or change and land management play nymphs (1.5mm long and grey in these diseases?’” in influencing tick numbers. colour) cause the most cases of Lyme Spiralling tick numbers, along disease in humans. This is because with increased awareness, are largely “Will these measures larvae will not have fed on infected responsible for the 11-fold increase in actually control ticks hosts, and tend not to carry the cases of human Lyme disease reported bacteria; and adults are less in Scotland over the last decade. or these diseases?” common – as well as being large Ticks are also responsible for Dr Gilbert said that their work and more easily spotted before transmitting the Louping-ill virus, suggests that ticks will spread further biting. which kills almost 80% of infected up hillsides as Scotland gets warmer. Lyme disease causes a character- red grouse, and – depending on the Much of this work is being istic bull’s eye rash in about 80% of circumstances – large numbers of carried out as part of the EPIC infected people, and can be treated sheep. (Epidemiology of Infectious Disease with antibiotics – professional Fears over Louping-ill effects on Control) Centre of Excellence, medical treatment must be sought. grouse-bags has led some estates to funded by the Scottish Government. If untreated or if initial treatment carry out large-scale culls of mountain “Initial results also show that wood- is unsuccessful, further chronic hares. Hares have been shown in the land has 10 times more ticks than open neurological and/or rheumatological lab to support direct transmission of areas such as heather or grassland, symptoms may develop. the disease between ticks. and that woodland with deer has more However, recent models predict that ticks than fenced-off woodland,” said Louping ill virus is the western- culling hares in areas with deer will not Dr Gilbert. most variant of the tick-borne reduce Louping ill, said Dr Gilbert. The next step is to look at the encephalitis complex of viruses, Some estates are also reported to presence of Lyme across woodlands which cause death in humans in some be excluding deer – which are often that differ in the number of deer and areas of Europe. However, louping ill associated with high tick numbers, other mammals, she added. virus has a different ecology and, or introducing sheep dosed in acaricide thankfully, human cases are rare. to act as ‘tick mops’. For more information contact Transmission occurs when infected Dr Gilbert said: “If done properly, Lucy Gilbert ticks bite, or are eaten by, hosts. the use of tick-mops has proved [email protected] It causes death in almost 80% of

Gabor Pozsgai effective in some parts of northern infected red grouse, and variable mortality in livestock, especially sheep. Therefore, it is of great economic importance to many rural areas of Scotland. “We will use hunting as a lens through which we will examine how people interact with biodiversity” Hunting for sustainability The controversial and emotive topic of hunting will come under the spot-light in two major EC-funded projects recently awarded to researchers at the Macaulay.

The projects, worth more than £3.2 The second project, ‘Sustainable the University of Aberdeen, and million, will primarily be implemented Hunting Tourism in Northern Europe’ international partners from Finland, through the Institute’s ACES partner- plans to promote the development of Sweden, Iceland and Canada. ship with Aberdeen University. sustainable hunting tourism to help “These two projects are very ‘HUNT’ will assess the social, diversify the economic activity of complementary,” said Dr Thirgood, cultural, economic and ecological under-developed regions in Northern “as the first will provide much of the aspects of a variety of hunting Europe. cutting-edge, interdisciplinary science traditions in both Europe and Africa. According to Dr Thirgood, the to underpin EU policy on hunting, Working with partners in eight project will focus on the international whereas the second is focussed European and African countries, exchange of information and expertise mainly on interactions with European the project seeks to understand what on hunting tourism. stakeholders – particularly the hunting influences attitudes to hunting, how these attitudes determine individual and societal behaviour, and finally, how hunting behaviour influences biodiversity. Project leader Dr Simon Thirgood said: “Throughout the project we will use hunting as a ‘lens’ through which we will examine the wider issue of how people interact with biodiversity. “The project results will be interpreted in respect to current and future EU policy on hunting and biodiversity conservation, and they will contribute to the global debate about the sustainable use of biodiversity. “This will reduce obstacles to industry and the government ‘HUNT’ is thus an extremely good entrepreneurship and enhance the organisations that regulate hunting.” fit to the Macaulay’s remit of providing activities of small businesses – as well The projects provide an excellent the science base to underpin environ- as provoking discussion and raising opportunity to showcase the relevance mental sustainability.” awareness of the potential of tourism of the research conducted at the The project is financed by based on northern hunting cultures.” Macaulay to the wider community of £2.3 million from the European As part of the process the project land-use stakeholders in Scotland, Commission 7th Framework will create sustainable models for Europe and beyond, he added. Programme and will involve several hunting tourism and tools for staff from the Macaulay Institute, managing sustainability in different For more information on these as well as colleagues from the institutional settings. projects email Universities of Aberdeen, Stirling, and This EC project is financed by Simon Thirgood London, and international partners £950,000 from their Intereg Northern [email protected] from Norway, Sweden, Spain, Croatia, Periphery Programme, and as well as or visit www.aces.ac.uk

images this spread toothandclaw.org.uk Slovenia, Ethiopia and Tanzania. Macaulay staff, it also involves Salmon on the way up A unique collaboration that dramatically increased salmon numbers in a polluted tributary of the Dee is just about to enter its eighth year. “…a raft of very simple measures could drastically improve local streams”

Salmon had been absent from owners, the MacRobert Trust, their the very fine grained substrate was many parts of the Tarland Burn for tenant farmers and a range of local unsuitable habitat for salmon fry and several years when work started there people to show them how a raft of very parr. in 2000 – but within four years fish had simple measures could drastically “As a result salmon had been absent returned, and numbers continue to improve local streams.” from this burn for some considerable increase. These measures included removing time.” poorly maintained septic tanks, replacing the village sewage treatment plant and putting in small wetland areas. The scientists also encouraged farmers to create ‘buffer strips’ – by fencing off several metres of bankside on either side – which in turn stopped both cattle and contaminated field run-off entering the stream. Importantly, according to Dr Langan, 4 images this page Callisto Productions this was undertaken in a systematic The project to improve water quality manner-tributary by tributary. and habitat variety in the stream was Sections that were previously set-up by Macaulay scientists, and canalised were allowed to return to involves local farmers, estate managers their natural course, and it is this, and agency staff, as well as the Dee along with the reduction in pollution, Salmon Fisheries Board. that has allowed salmon fry and parr The Dee District Salmon Board to develop to smolts, he added. records show that with the improve- “Previously, salmon recruitment ments trout numbers have increased had been poor or absent due to the and lampreys have also returned to pollution and lack of suitable habitat the Aberdeenshire burn, which is in the early stages of their life cycle. important because it is the uppermost “Salmon redds were frequently The Tarland Catchment Initiative has tributary of the River Dee to drain smothered by excessive sediments also helped a range of other aquatic from farmland. transported down the stream and wildlife – from lapwings and redshanks The subsequent recovery of salmon to aquatic invertebrates. was most noticeable in the early life “Our future aim is to roll this stages from salmon redds, to fry and programme of measures and lessons parr survival rates. learnt to other parts of the River Dee – Project leader Dr Simon Langan said: and indeed other river catchments “When we first looked at the burn it across Scotland,” said Dr Langan. was obvious that various land manage- ment practices had degraded both the For more information contact water quality and range of habitats Simon Langan within it. [email protected]

David Riley “We then engaged with the estate

A film featuring this work, Water under Pressure, can be seen at macaulay.ac.uk/videos

“If you buy one book this year, this is that must. I couldn't put it down and I had to ring everyone up and talk about it.” Chris Packham

“A book that I believe could play a defining role in changing perceptions of predators.” Dick Balharry, John Muir Trust

P URCHASE YOUR SIGNED COPY OF THIS STUNNING BOOK AT: upland is printed on 100% recycled paper Editor Dave Stevens Design John Brown – Design for Business Photography Courtesy of Tooth and Claw (unless otherwise stated) macaulay.ac.uk The Macaulay Institute Craigiebuckler Aberdeen AB15 8QH T +44 (0)1224 498200 F +44 (0)1224 311556 [email protected] toothandclaw.org.uk