Red kites were reintroduced to England and Scotland from Wales in the 1990s in one of the most successful bird conservation programs. Understanding their welfare needs helps maintain their recovery.
Red kite welfare threats are both acute and chronic. Illegal poisoning causes painful death from neurotoxins. Secondary poisoning from rodenticides causes liver damage and neurological impairment that may take days to kill. Collision with vehicles and power lines causes traumatic injury. Well-nourished red kites with broad territories and access to diverse foraging experience positive welfare states — their aerial behavior and scavenging efficiency reflect animals functioning well. Protecting this recovered population from poisoning is the most urgent ongoing welfare priority.