Wildlife

Wild Red Kite Rodenticide Free Areas

Establishing rodenticide-free buffer zones around red kite nesting areas protects against secondary poisoning, the leading preventable cause of raptor mortality.

Key Facts

Over 80% of red kites tested in some areas show rodenticide exposure
Second-generation anticoagulants including brodifacoum accumulate in prey species consumed by raptors
Buffer zones of 1-2km around red kite nesting areas significantly reduce exposure risk
Rodenticide-free zone projects in Wales and England have reduced poisoning mortality
Alternative rodent control methods including trapping and biosecurity achieve comparable results

Welfare Considerations

Rodenticide-free buffer zones directly reduce secondary poisoning welfare costs for red kites in protected areas. Each poisoned raptor experiences internal bleeding and slow death that could be prevented. Creating rodenticide-free zones around raptor territories is a direct welfare and conservation intervention.

What You Can Do

Avoid second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides in areas with red kite populations
Support campaign organisations promoting rodenticide-free raptor protection zones
Use non-toxic rodent control methods including trapping and biosecurity