Wildlife Welfare

Wild Kestrel Welfare and Rodenticide Secondary Poisoning

Kestrels are among many raptors suffering welfare and population impacts from secondary rodenticide poisoning.

Key Facts

Rodenticides accumulate in predatory birds that consume poisoned rodents
Post-mortem studies consistently find rodenticides in kestrel tissue samples
Affected birds may show neurological symptoms, reduced hunting ability, and prolonged dying
Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides are particularly hazardous due to bioaccumulation
Integrated pest management approaches can reduce rodenticide use while maintaining control

Welfare Considerations

Secondary rodenticide poisoning causes hidden, prolonged suffering in kestrels and other raptors. A kestrel weakened by anticoagulant poisoning may hunt unsuccessfully for days before succumbing, experiencing progressive debility. The welfare cost of rodenticide use extends far beyond target species into the broader predator community.

What You Can Do

Choose rodenticide alternatives for pest control where possible
Support integrated pest management approaches that reduce rodenticide dependency
Advocate for stricter regulation of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides