Wildlife

Wild Kestrel Decline and Rodenticide Threats

Kestrel populations have declined 36% in the UK since 1995, with rodenticide exposure a significant but underappreciated threat.

Key Facts

UK kestrel populations declined from around 50,000 pairs to an estimated 37,000 pairs
Kestrels prey almost exclusively on small mammals including field voles and wood mice
Rodenticide residues are found in the majority of dead kestrels submitted for post-mortem
Intensification of agriculture reducing field vole prey is the primary driver of decline
Road-side verge management affecting vole habitat also influences kestrel territory quality

Welfare Considerations

Kestrels poisoned by rodenticides through their prey experience internal bleeding, weakness and impaired hunting capacity before death. A bird unable to hunt effectively faces starvation in addition to the direct toxic effects. Rodenticide stewardship and habitat management for small mammals are complementary welfare interventions.

What You Can Do

Avoid second-generation rodenticides in favour of first-generation or non-toxic alternatives
Create rough grassland habitat to support field vole populations as kestrel prey
Report kestrel corpses to the Predatory Bird Monitoring Scheme for toxicology
Support campaigns for improved rodenticide regulation and farmer guidance