Wild Red Kite Recovery: Conservation Success and Ongoing Threats

The red kite is one of Britain's great conservation success stories, though reintroduced populations still face ongoing threats.

Key Facts

Red kites were once extinct in England and Scotland; Welsh populations survived in small numbers.
Reintroduction programmes beginning in 1989 have established populations across the UK.
Illegal poisoning remains the leading cause of adult red kite mortality in the UK.
Lead poisoning from ingested game bird shot is a significant welfare and mortality issue.
Kites are now established in over 20 countries following widespread European recovery.
The UK population has grown from fewer than 100 breeding pairs to over 10,000 birds.

Welfare Considerations

Individual red kites continue to suffer from illegal poisoning, lead ingestion, and collision with power lines and vehicles. Conservation success at the population level does not eliminate individual welfare concerns. Monitoring programmes that detect poisoned or injured birds allow rapid veterinary intervention. Advocacy for lead-free ammunition is a key individual welfare measure alongside population protection.

What You Can Do

Report suspected poisoned raptors to your local raptor study group or police wildlife officer.
Support campaigns for a UK ban on lead ammunition in game shooting.
Avoid using rodenticides that accumulate in the food chain and harm scavenging birds.
Donate to organisations working on raptor protection and illegal wildlife crime prosecution.