Wildlife

Wild Red Kite Advanced: Poisoning Prevention and Recovery

Red kite anti-poisoning campaigns and legal protection are sustaining recovery while addressing ongoing persecution threats.

Key Facts

RSPB Investigations documents dozens of suspected red kite poisonings annually
Carbofuran and alpha-chloralose are illegal poisons used deliberately against raptors
Secondary poisoning from anticoagulant rodenticides is a growing concern for red kites
Satellite tagging enables welfare monitoring and rapid response to poisoning incidents

Welfare Considerations

Red kites poisoned with illegal compounds die in prolonged agony from seizures and organ failure. Despite population recovery, the ongoing welfare cost of persecution is significant. Stronger enforcement, deterrent sentencing, and responsible rodenticide use all contribute to reducing individual kite welfare harm.

What You Can Do

Report any suspected raptor poisoning to RSPB Investigations (01767 693690)
Never use illegal pesticides and choose low-toxicity rodenticide options in bait boxes
Support Wildlife Crime Units with information and advocacy for stronger enforcement resources