Wildlife

Buzzard Welfare: Raptor Recovery and Rodenticide Risk

Overview of buzzard welfare, population recovery, and ongoing threats including rodenticide poisoning.

Key Facts

Buzzard is now the most abundant raptor in the UK following recovery from persecution
Secondary rodenticide poisoning is a documented welfare threat to buzzards
Buzzards face illegal persecution on some grouse moors
Road mortality is a significant cause of death for carrion-feeding buzzards
Buzzard population recovery demonstrates effectiveness of legal protection

Welfare Considerations

Buzzard welfare has improved dramatically since legal protection ended persecution in most areas, with population recovery being one of UK conservation's greatest success stories. However, rodenticide poisoning, illegal persecution on some grouse estates, and road mortality remain ongoing welfare concerns. Continued legal protection and enforcement are essential for sustaining this recovery.

What You Can Do

Report raptor persecution incidents to RSPB Investigations team
Support campaigns to reduce rodenticide use in agriculture
Advocate for stronger enforcement of raptor protection laws