Wildlife

Red Kite Welfare and Ongoing Illegal Poisoning

Red kites have recovered dramatically through reintroduction programs but still face illegal poisoning in some areas, with secondary rodenticide exposure also significant.

Key Facts

Red kites were successfully reintroduced to England, Scotland, and Ireland from Welsh stock
Over 3000 pairs now breed in the UK following decades of protection
Illegal poisoning on game estates continues to kill kites in some areas
Secondary rodenticide poisoning affects a significant proportion of tested carcasses
Red kites are primarily scavengers dependent on carrion as a food source

Welfare Considerations

Illegal poisoning using alpha-chloralose or carbofuran causes convulsions and death. Secondary rodenticide exposure causes coagulopathy with prolonged internal bleeding. Poison bait ingestion causes agonizing neurological symptoms before death. Illegal poisoning removes breeding adults from recovering populations. Scavenging habit makes kites particularly vulnerable to any toxicants placed in or on carcasses.

What You Can Do

Report suspected raptor poisoning to RSPB Wildlife Crime Officer
Support campaigns for grouse moor licensing linked to wildlife crime
Donate to RSPB Investigations team
Advocate for stronger sentencing for wildlife crime including raptor persecution
Support first-generation rodenticide use requirements reducing secondary exposure