Wildlife Welfare

Wild Peregrine UK Breeding Welfare

The welfare story of peregrine falcon recovery and the ongoing threats to nesting pairs.

Key Facts

Peregrines recovered from near-extinction in the 1960s after organochlorine pesticide bans
The UK now holds over 1,500 breeding pairs - the highest population since records began
Illegal persecution including shooting and egg theft continues to suppress populations in grouse moor areas
Urban peregrines nesting on buildings face welfare risks from window strikes and human disturbance

Welfare Considerations

Peregrine welfare is shaped by the ongoing tension between recovery and illegal persecution. Individual pairs that lose clutches to thieves or poison lose an entire breeding season's investment. Robust enforcement of wildlife crime legislation is the most critical welfare intervention for peregrines.

What You Can Do

Report any suspected raptor persecution, poisoning, or egg theft to police and RSPB immediately
Support nest monitoring schemes that protect peregrine sites from disturbance
Advocate for driven grouse moors to be subject to mandatory licensing to reduce raptor persecution