Wild Animals

Wild Red Kite Conservation and Poisoning

Red kites have recovered dramatically in the UK through reintroduction but continue to face illegal poisoning and secondary poisoning from rodenticide use.

Key Facts

Red kites were reintroduced to England, Scotland, and Wales from 1989 following extinction
The UK now holds approximately 10% of the global red kite population
Illegal poisoning using meat baits laced with carbofuran remains a significant mortality cause
Secondary poisoning from rodenticides accumulated in prey animals also kills kites
Red kites are scavengers and are particularly vulnerable to poisoned baits

Welfare Considerations

Red kites killed by poisoning experience agonising deaths from convulsions and organ failure. Carbofuran acts rapidly but causes severe neurological distress before death. Secondary rodenticide poisoning causes slower deterioration from internal bleeding and organ damage. Each illegally killed kite represents individual animal suffering alongside loss of a conservation success. Poisoning incidents are investigated by the RSPB and police wildlife crime units.

What You Can Do

Report suspected poisoning incidents and dead raptors to the RSPB or police wildlife crime unit
Advocate for stronger penalties for wildlife poisoning offences
Support second-generation anticoagulant rodenticide restrictions to reduce secondary poisoning
Raise awareness about kite poisoning in rural communities
Support camera trap monitoring programmes that help identify poisoning hotspots