Red Kite Reintroduction and Welfare in Britain

The red kite is one of Britain conservation success stories — reintroduced from Wales and continental Europe after centuries of persecution to now number over 10,000 individuals.

Key Facts

Red kites were extinct in England and Scotland by the late 19th century due to persecution
Reintroductions began in the Chilterns in 1989 using birds from Sweden and Spain
Over 10,000 red kites now live in the UK, with thriving populations in England, Scotland, and Wales
Red kites are primarily scavengers, feeding on carrion, earthworms, and small mammals
Lead poisoning from ingesting shot in carcasses remains the leading cause of red kite mortality
Deliberate poisoning still occurs illegally — hundreds of red kites have been killed by poison baits
They are highly intelligent and have been recorded using tools and manipulating objects
Red kites can live over 25 years in the wild under favourable conditions

Welfare Considerations

Lead poisoning is the single greatest welfare and conservation threat to red kites today. Ingesting spent lead shot in carcasses causes sub-lethal neurological damage and death. The transition to non-toxic alternatives like steel and bismuth shot is essential but has been resisted by parts of the shooting industry. Illegal poisoning using substances like carbofuran and alpha-chloralose is a wildlife crime that welfare organisations and police continue to combat. Feeding stations that provide clean, non-contaminated food have helped sustain kite populations during harsh winters.

What You Can Do

Advocate for a mandatory ban on toxic lead ammunition for hunting and pest control
Report dead raptors to the police and RSPB Wildlife Crime team for toxicology testing
Do not disturb roosting aggregations of kites at known winter roost sites
Support legal challenge to prosecute wildlife poisoning as a serious criminal offence
Provide clean food in gardens during cold snaps to help struggling individuals
Oppose the illegal use of poisoned baits by reporting suspicious activities