"It is estimated that there are less than 50 capercaillie in the Vosges mountains," said Françoise Preiss, project manager of the Tetras Vosges Group (GTV). This entity has campaigned since 1979 for the survival of this animal, victim of human presence and climate change on these wooded lands. "It is a real drama to see the capercaillie threatened with extinction in the Vosges while it has lived there for millennia", deplores Françoise Preiss.
This gallinaceous is present in Alsace since the glaciation of the Vosgien massif, during the quaternary era. The bird with red wattles appreciates the tranquility and the cold of the forest of the Vosges, upset for several decades by climate change.
"He is under invasion of his territory"
“This bird, whose vision is poor, takes advantage of the snow to see its predators. With the rise in temperatures, he finds himself much more exposed to attacks by foxes or martens, "explains the specialist, who adds:" With the development of tourist activity and ski resorts, the capercaillie is undergoing an invasion of its territory. "
Not to mention the proliferation of wild boars which destroy the ground shelters of these birds. “The capercaillie is part of the heritage of the Vosges of Alsace. It is found on the coat of arms of many sports clubs or municipalities in the territory, "recalls the Chargé de Mission of GTV, whose objective is now to protect the last capercaillies that remain in the midst of thousand-year-old trees. "If we limit tourist activities, at least at night, we will bring beneficial tranquility to capercaillies," hopes Françoise Preiss.