Red kite populations in the UK have recovered spectacularly from near-extinction, but illegal persecution, lead poisoning, and road casualties remain welfare threats.
Red kites that ingest lead-contaminated carrion experience progressive neurological deterioration, losing coordination and the ability to fly before dying. The condition is painful and prolonged. Deliberately poisoned birds suffer acute toxic effects. The recovery of red kite populations demonstrates that conservation success is possible, but the remaining welfare threats - particularly lead and illegal persecution - prevent mortality from being eliminated in otherwise thriving populations.