Wildlife

Peregrine Falcon Welfare on UK Cliff and Urban Nesting Sites

How peregrine falcon populations have recovered and what welfare challenges remain.

Key Facts

Peregrines recovered from near-extinction following the DDT ban in 1975
They now breed on cliffs, quarries, and tall urban buildings across the UK
Illegal egg collection and persecution remain welfare threats despite legal protection
Urban pairs face collision risk from glass buildings — a growing welfare concern

Welfare Considerations

Peregrine welfare improvements followed pollution reduction and legal protection. Remaining welfare threats include illegal persecution at grouse moors and cliff sites, egg and chick theft by collectors, and urban collision mortality from glass-clad buildings. Welfare-informed conservation uses nest cameras for remote monitoring, rapid response to criminal activity, and urban building assessment for bird strike risk.

What You Can Do

Report any suspected peregrine persecution to the police and RSPB immediately
Support volunteer nest watchers who protect cliff breeding sites from egg thieves
Advocate for urban building bird-safe glass standards to reduce collision mortality