At the breeding centre and genetic reserve of Sobrescobio, in Asturias, four female Cantabrian capercaillie are being bred for release into the wild. In the breeding center and genetic reserve of Sobrescobio (Principality of Asturias) four female Cantabrian capercaillie are being bred for their release into the wild. This release is scheduled in the Picos de Europa Regional Park in a few days, when its adaptation and weather conditions make it advisable. These females were born in the center between the end of June and the beginning of July 2014 and during the first twelve weeks of life the chicks are receiving all kinds of care and acquiring the necessary and essential skills for their survival in the release area.
 
According to other European experiences, the main problem faced by a population reinforcement programme is the same as that faced by wild individuals, the high mortality rate of young capercaillie, as a result of the difficulty of acclimatising them to life in the countryside. For this reason, an adequate and correct captive breeding process is considered essential, to try to guarantee a good adaptation of the birds to the release area.
 
To facilitate the acclimatization of the four female capercaillies, they are being provided with a diet as close as possible to the one they will enjoy in the wild. The main objective of controlled feeding is to improve the behaviour and physical and microbiological characteristics of the digestive tract of birds, to facilitate the digestion of wild foods and promote their survival.
 
Simultaneously with the daily care provided to the birds, a breeding-flying park was built in the Sobrescobio centre, to promote the development of the muscles for the flight of the capercaillie, and to contribute to improving their ability to select favourable habitats in the wild. At the same time that the four specimens were transferred to the aviary-park, an adult female was incorporated, who acted as a wet nurse and taught them rapid and appropriate response behaviors to possible predators (goshawks and other birds of prey that flew over the facilities). Techniques were also carried out to enhance these response behaviors in individuals against terrestrial predators (flight flight, concealment), with the use of a dog on the periphery of the flying park.
 
Optimal sanitary conditions have been guaranteed at all times, through an exhaustive program of cleaning and disinfection of the facilities, operating manuals, as well as the appropriate health checks. During the captive breeding process, direct contact with the veterinary team and the discomfort that could be caused to the birds have been reduced to the maximum, with the well-being of the individuals being crucial at all stages of their development.
 
Thanks to the correct development of captive breeding, the four female Cantabrian capercaillie are currently prepared for transfer and release into the wild, enabling the first experience of capercaillie population reinforcement in the Cantabrian Mountains.