Common buzzards are the UK most abundant raptor, but face illegal persecution on some game estates through shooting, trapping, and poisoning. Despite full legal protection since 1954, persecution continues in areas with intensive game management.
Key Facts
Common buzzards are the UK most numerous raptor with an estimated 57,000-79,000 breeding pairs
They are fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
RSPB investigations document persistent illegal killing on game estates
Buzzards are poisoned using illegally placed baits including carbofuran and alphachloralose
Population growth has occurred despite persecution, reflecting the species high productivity
Welfare Considerations
Buzzards poisoned with illegal baits experience the acute toxicological suffering specific to each substance: carbofuran causes rapid cholinesterase inhibition and convulsive death; alphachloralose causes prolonged sedation and cold-exposure death. The deliberate nature of baiting — placing toxic substances to target raptors specifically — represents intentional animal cruelty. Each persecution event removes individuals from a recovering population and constitutes wildlife crime.
What You Can Do
Report suspected raptor persecution to RSPB Investigations Team or police wildlife crime officers
Support RSPB Birdcrime reporting and investigation program
Advocate for vicarious liability legislation making landowners responsible for persecution on their land
Donate to Raptor Persecution UK investigative journalism
Never purchase game from estates with documented raptor persecution records