Peregrine Falcon Welfare and UK Recovery Story

Key Facts

• Peregrine populations crashed to just 360 pairs in the UK by 1963 from DDE-caused eggshell thinning
• The banning of DDT and dieldrin allowed population recovery to over 1,800 pairs by 2023
• Urban peregrines nesting on cathedrals, office buildings, and power stations have become wildlife tourism icons
• Illegal persecution and egg collecting continue to limit populations in some upland areas
• Peregrines are the fastest animal on Earth, diving at over 300 km/h to capture prey in flight

Welfare Considerations

Peregrine welfare is primarily a conservation success story. The recovery from near-extinction through pesticide banning demonstrates that regulatory action can deliver profound welfare and conservation outcomes. Individual welfare threats include illegal persecution and egg collecting that persist in some areas, and collisions with windows and buildings for urban birds. The proliferation of urban nesting pairs has created a new welfare monitoring opportunity — webcam programs at cathedral and building nest sites attract millions of viewers who become invested in individual bird welfare. This direct public engagement drives support for raptor welfare and legal protection.

What You Can Do

• Support RSPB peregrine monitoring programs and report any suspected illegal persecution
• Follow your nearest city peregrine webcam and engage with the breeding season events
• Never disturb peregrine eyries — any disturbance is illegal and causes nest failure
• Advocate for stronger enforcement of raptor protection laws in areas where persecution persists
• Support window film installation on large glass buildings in areas with urban peregrine territories