They spend more than 5 million euros to release 30 birds, and after six months only one survives

A reintroduction trial for the endangered Cantabrian capercaillie in Alto Sil, León has largely failed.

Of 30 captive-bred birds released in late 2025, only one female was still alive six months later, with most losses attributed to predation.

The recovery effort had already cost more than 5 million euros in breeding facilities and habitat improvements.

The outcome highlights how hard it is to restore critically endangered forest birds through captive breeding alone and the need for better predator-avoidance training and release-site management.