Welfare of Red Kites Reintroduced to Britain

Red kites successfully reintroduced to Britain after centuries of absence face ongoing threats from illegal poisoning and lead contamination from game bird carcasses.

Key Facts

Red kites were reintroduced to England and Scotland from Spain and Wales in the 1990s
UK population has grown to over 10,000 birds from just a few dozen reintroduced individuals
Lead ammunition in game bird carcasses causes chronic lead poisoning in scavenging kites
Illegal poisoning using banned substances like carbofuran kills kites annually
They are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act making persecution illegal

Welfare Considerations

Red kites poisoned by carbofuran and other illegal substances experience seizures, paralysis, and agonizing death. Lead poisoning from scavenging game bird carcasses causes progressive neurological deterioration over weeks. Persecution by gamekeepers and farmers illegally removing kites from their properties kills hundreds of birds. Despite legal protection, prosecution is difficult and deterrent sentences are rare. The ongoing mortality from poisoning undermines successful conservation breeding and reintroduction programs.

What You Can Do

Report suspected raptor poisoning or persecution to RSPCA and Wildlife Crime Police Officers
Support campaigns for lead ammunition phase-out to prevent scavenging lead poisoning
Choose game meat from shoots using non-lead ammunition
Donate to RSPB and Raptor Persecution UK monitoring and advocacy programs