Wildlife

Common Buzzard Welfare and Ongoing Persecution

Buzzards are now the UK's most common raptor but still face illegal persecution on some game estates, with secondary poisoning also a welfare concern.

Key Facts

Common buzzards have recovered from near extinction in the early 20th century to over 70,000 pairs
They remain persecuted illegally in some grouse and pheasant rearing areas
Secondary rodenticide exposure is well documented in buzzard populations
They are highly territorial and sedentary, making them vulnerable to local persecution
Buzzards provide significant pest control benefits including rabbit management

Welfare Considerations

Illegal trapping and poisoning causes pain and death. Crow cage traps set illegally for corvid control sometimes catch buzzards causing prolonged distress. Secondary rodenticide exposure from vole and small mammal prey causes sub-lethal health effects. Lead poisoning from ingested shot in rabbit prey affects breeding performance. Despite legal protection, persecution continues in some areas affecting local population density.

What You Can Do

Report suspected buzzard persecution to local police wildlife crime officers
Support raptor persecution reporting programs
Advocate for first-generation rodenticide requirements reducing secondary exposure
Donate to Welsh and English buzzard population monitoring programs
Engage with game management industry on raptor coexistence standards