Wildlife

Red Kite Recovery in the UK: Conservation Success Story

The red kite is one of Britain's great conservation successes, reintroduced from Wales and thriving across England and Scotland after decades of persecution.

Key Facts

Red kites were extinct in England and Scotland by the 1870s
Reintroductions began in the Chilterns in 1989 using Welsh and Spanish birds
There are now over 10,000 red kites in the UK
Poisoning from illegal bait remains the primary ongoing threat
Kites are primarily scavengers, vital for ecosystem nutrient cycling
Secondary poisoning from rodenticides poses ongoing risk

Welfare Considerations

Red kites brought together in large numbers can suffer from disease and illegal poisoning. Supplementary feeding stations support individual welfare during harsh winters but must be managed carefully. Secondary ingestion of veterinary products and rodenticides poses serious welfare and conservation risks requiring vigilance.

What You Can Do

Report suspected red kite poisoning to the RSPB
Avoid using rodenticides that persist in food chains
Support organisations working on raptor persecution monitoring