Wildlife

Red Kite Welfare After UK Reintroduction

Red kites were successfully reintroduced to England, Scotland and Ireland from 1989 and have established thriving populations, but continue to face welfare threats from illegal poisoning and secondary rodenticide contamination.

Key Facts

Red kites were extinct in England and Scotland by the 19th century due to persecution
Reintroduction using Welsh and Spanish birds has produced populations of over 10,000 in England
Illegal poisoning using carbofuran and other poisons remains a documented cause of mortality
Secondary rodenticide poisoning from rat-eating prey is an ongoing welfare concern

Welfare Considerations

Red kite welfare in the UK has improved dramatically through reintroduction, but illegal persecution and secondary poisoning continue to kill individuals. Poisoned kites suffer extended, painful deaths. The success of reintroduction has created a visible and charismatic species whose welfare is now genuinely affected by rodenticide use in agricultural and garden settings.

What You Can Do

Never use carbofuran or other banned pesticides that are used to poison raptors illegally
Use rodenticides only as a last resort and follow all safety guidance to minimise secondary poisoning
Report suspected red kite poisoning to the RSPB and police wildlife crime unit
Support legal enforcement of wildlife crime legislation affecting red kites and other raptors