Wildlife

Wild Red Kite Recovery and Conservation

The red kite recovery in the UK is one of conservation's greatest success stories.

Key Facts

Red kites were reduced to a handful of birds in Wales by the 1930s
Reintroductions from 1989 have restored populations across Britain
Now over 10,000 red kites estimated in UK
Secondary poisoning from rodenticides remains a threat

Welfare Considerations

Red kites that ingest lead shot in carrion suffer progressive neurological poisoning — tremors, seizures, and death. Secondary poisoning from rodenticides causes internal bleeding and a slow death. Maintaining the welfare of recovered populations requires continued vigilance against illegal persecution and advocacy for lead-free ammunition and rodenticide alternatives.

What You Can Do

Support switch to lead-free alternatives in shooting
Never use second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides
Report suspected red kite poisoning to RSPB
Celebrate and share the red kite recovery story to build conservation support