Wildlife

Wild Peregrine Falcon: Recovery, Persecution and Nest Welfare

Peregrine falcons have recovered dramatically in the UK but illegal persecution on grouse moors continues to cause welfare harm.

Key Facts

UK peregrine population recovered from 360 pairs in 1961 to over 1,500 pairs today
Illegal persecution including shooting and nest destruction remains a primary threat
Urban peregrines nesting on buildings show high productivity in protected environments
Peregrine eggs and chicks destroyed by illegal persecution suffer direct welfare harm

Welfare Considerations

Peregrine persecution kills adults and destroys nests causing direct welfare harm to individual birds. The contrast between thriving urban populations and suppressed grouse moor populations demonstrates that persecution is the limiting factor. Enforcement and monitoring reduce persecution incidence.

What You Can Do

Report suspected peregrine persecution to RSPB Investigations immediately
Support nest monitoring schemes for peregrines in your area
Advocate for driven grouse moor licensing with wildlife crime conditions