Wildlife

Wild Raven Welfare and Upland Recovery

Ravens have recovered and expanded from upland strongholds across much of the UK following reduced persecution, though illegal killing continues.

Key Facts

Ravens were persecuted to extinction across most of England but have recolonised from Wales
UK raven population now exceeds 7,000 breeding pairs and continues to expand
Ravens are highly intelligent and long-lived, forming stable pair bonds lasting decades
Illegal killing continues on some grouse moors where ravens are perceived as predators
Ravens play important ecological roles as scavengers and predators of small animals

Welfare Considerations

Ravens killed illegally lose individual lives of significant cognitive richness - ravens are among the most intelligent birds and form lasting pair bonds. The loss of an established breeding adult disrupts a pair bond and can leave a dependent mate unable to breed in subsequent years. Recovery of raven populations following persecution reduction demonstrates the welfare and ecological benefit of legal protection and reduced illegal killing.

What You Can Do

Report any suspected illegal raven killing to police wildlife crime units and RSPB
Support raptor persecution monitoring and investigation organisations
Advocate for vicarious liability legislation making landowners responsible for persecution on their land