Wildlife

Wild Red Kite Poisoning and Persecution

Red kites remain targets of illegal poisoning despite successful reintroduction, and tackling wildlife crime is essential to maintaining population welfare.

Key Facts

Red kites were reintroduced from Wales to England and Scotland in the 1990s and 2000s
Deliberate poisoning using carbofuran and other banned substances kills kites annually
Secondary rodenticide poisoning from anticoagulants is an ongoing welfare threat
Satellite tagged kites have revealed suspicious disappearances in areas with known persecution history
The RSPB Wildlife Crime Unit investigates kite poisonings and works with police on prosecutions

Welfare Considerations

Red kite welfare is threatened by deliberate persecution that is illegal but continues. Reporting suspected poisoning incidents and supporting wildlife crime investigation are the most direct welfare actions.

What You Can Do

Report suspected red kite poisoning immediately to the RSPB Wildlife Crime Unit
Never use carbofuran or other banned substances that cause raptor poisoning
Support campaigns for stronger wildlife crime sentencing and enforcement