Wildlife

Red Kite Welfare: Reintroduction Success and Ongoing Threats

Overview of red kite welfare, the success of UK reintroduction, and remaining threats.

Key Facts

Red kites were successfully reintroduced across multiple UK regions since 1989
Secondary rodenticide poisoning remains a leading cause of death
Illegal poisoning still occurs and is closely monitored by RSPB
Red kites are now a familiar sight across much of England and Wales
Population now exceeds 10,000 birds in the UK

Welfare Considerations

Red kite welfare demonstrates both the success of conservation reintroduction and persistent welfare threats. Secondary poisoning from rodenticides and deliberate poisoning on some land remain significant causes of welfare harm and mortality. The scale of population recovery makes ongoing monitoring and poisoning investigations possible and vital for long-term welfare.

What You Can Do

Report any suspected poisoned bird of prey immediately to RSPB and police
Support campaigns to reduce rodenticide use on farms and estates
Donate to raptor monitoring and poisoning investigation organisations