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Through this project, the aim has been to obtain information on the genetic variability of the Cantabrian capercaillie population, aimed at informing about management measures to halt and reverse the decline of its population. To this end, the following has been proposed:

• To explore recent changes in the genetic variability of the Cantabrian capercaillie.
• Interpretation and transfer of results to the competent administrations in the conservation of endangered species.

• Genetic analysis (microsatellites) of recent samples, obtained between 2010 and 2017.
• Comparison of the genetic variability of the Cantabrian population with that of the Pyrenean population.

• A genetic analysis (microsatellites) of DNA samples has been carried out, which finally added up to a total of 95, corresponding to the period between 2008 and 2019, with the exception of 3 samples from 2001 whose study was useful to complete the geographical distribution. Of this total samples, 21 come from the northern slope of the Pyrenees, 34 from the southern slope of the Pyrenees and 40 from the Cantabrian Mountains. After the analysis of 95 samples, a 75.8% success rate was obtained in the extraction and expansion of DNA, corresponding to 72 samples.

• The study shows that one of the common characteristics of small populations, especially if they are isolated, is a reduction in genetic variability as a result of increased inbreeding. This could translate into a decrease in biological efficiency, understood as better fertility, and therefore a lower percentage of chickens, or less resistance to diseases and parasites.

• The results suggest that excessive inbreeding could be behind the problems of both populations, especially the indications of low fertility. However, it is concluded that this evaluation of the degree of inbreeding requires greater attention and a more specific design with different markers and methods that, among other factors, evaluate a greater proportion of the genome, as well as genes associated with specific metabolic functions. In addition, the entity states that all the results obtained must be interpreted taking into account the limited geographical, temporal, and economic scope of the study.

• That is why the research points to the need to address a more ambitious assessment of the role of genetic variability in the conservation status of Iberian capercaillie populations, in which the administrations related to the management of the species are involved.