Wildlife Conservation

Wild Red Kite Conservation and Recovery

Red kites were reintroduced to England and Scotland in the 1990s and have established thriving populations. Illegal poisoning and persecution remain ongoing welfare and conservation threats.

Key Facts

Red kites were extinct in England and Scotland for over a century before reintroduction
Wales retained a small remnant population that formed the genetic source for reintroduction
UK populations now exceed 4,000 birds across multiple established populations
Red kites are primarily scavengers and are frequently poisoned by illegal baited carcasses
Illegal persecution remains the primary threat to population expansion into new areas

Welfare Considerations

Red kite recovery is a conservation triumph threatened by ongoing illegal persecution. Each poisoning represents not only a conservation loss but a death involving significant suffering for a highly sentient bird.

What You Can Do

Report suspected raptor poisoning to the RSPB Wildlife Crime Investigation Unit
Support campaign for mandatory fit and proper person checks on shooting estate owners
Celebrate red kite recovery as a model for raptor reintroduction success