Although Storch, et al. (2006)[5]: 653 noted that the Cantabrian capercaillie meets the criteria to be listed as "Endangered" on the IUCN Red List due to "rapid population declines, small population size, and severely fragmented range", it is not classified as such by the IUCN.
[6] Numerous limiting factors influence the population dynamics of the capercaillie throughout its range, including habitat degradation, loss, and fragmentation (Storch 2000, p. 83; 2007, p. 96).
Quevedo et al. (2006)[2]: 271 found that open forest structure with well-distributed bilberry shrubs were the preferred habitat type of Cantabrian capercaillie.
In addition, the Cantabrian capercaillie have disappeared from forest patches located closest to the edge of the range in both the eastern and western subpopulations of the south slope of the Cantabrian Mountains, suggesting that forest fragmentation is playing an important role in the population dynamics of this subspecies.
Quevedo et al. (2005)[9]: 197 developed a habitat suitability model for the Cantarian capercaillie that assessed the relationship between forest patch size and occupancy.
Other researchers suggested that, should further habitat or connectivity loss occur, the Cantabrian capercaillie population may become so disaggregated that the few isolated subpopulations will be too small to ensure their own long-term persistence (Grimm and Storch 2000, p. 224).
[11]: 1779 Therefore, anthropogenic habitat deterioration and fragmentation not only leads to range contractions and extinctions, but may also have significant genetic, and thus, evolutionary consequences for the surviving populations.
In addition, the structure of the matrix of habitats located between forest patches is likely affecting the ability of capercaillies to disperse between subpopulations.
[7]: 83 Because this species congregates in leks, individuals are particularly easy targets, and poaching of protected grouse is considered common (Storch 2000, p. 15).
[citation needed] Diseases and parasites have been proposed as factors associated with the decline of populations of other species within the same family of birds as the capercaillie (Tetraonidae).
[12]: 191 In an attempt to determine if parasites were contributing to the decline of the Cantabrian capercaillie, researchers collected and analyzed fecal samples in 1998 from various localities across the range of this subspecies.
This subspecies is currently classified as ‘'vulnerable'’ in Spain under the National Catalog of Endangered Species, which affords it special protection (e.g., additional regulation of activities in the forests of its range, regulation of trails and roads in the area, elimination of poaching, and protection of areas important to young).
Under this convention, protections of Appendix-II species include the prohibition of: It is difficult to assess the effectiveness of this designation in preventing further loss of Cantabrian capercaillie or its habitat.
The EU Birds Directive lists the capercaillie as an Annex 1 species, "subject to special habitat conservation measures in order to ensure their survival.
'’ Under this Directive, a network of Special Protection Areas (SPAs) comprising suitable habitat for Annex I species is to be designated.
The remaining Cantabrian capercaillie populations occur primarily in protected areas in Spain that are part of the Natura 2000 network (for example, Muniellos nature reserve).
In addition, this law provides economic incentives for sustainable forest management by private landowners and local entities.
[7]: 83 Suarez-Seoane and Roves (2004)[13]: 395, 401 assessed the potential impacts of human disturbances in core populations of Cantabrian capercaillie in Natural Reserves in Spain.
They also found that Cantabrian capercaillie disappeared from leks situated in rolling hills at lower altitudes closer to houses, hunting sites, and repeatedly burned areas.