Red Kite Welfare and Poisoning Threats After Reintroduction

Red kites have been successfully reintroduced across the UK but remain threatened by deliberate and accidental poisoning, creating significant ongoing welfare concerns.

Key Facts

Red kites were extinct in England and Scotland by the late 19th century due to persecution
Reintroduction programmes beginning in 1989 have restored populations across the UK
Secondary rodenticide poisoning through ingestion of poisoned rats and rabbits is a leading cause of mortality
Illegal poisoning by game bird interests continues to affect kites in some areas
UK populations now exceed 10,000 birds representing a major conservation success

Welfare Considerations

Red kite welfare remains threatened by poisoning from multiple sources. Secondary rodenticide poisoning causes internal bleeding, neurological impairment, and slow death — one of the most welfare-compromising mortality causes. Illegal poison baiting causes acute suffering. Injured kites found alive face intensive veterinary care with uncertain outcomes. The welfare cost of each poisoning event is severe, and the persistence of illegal poisoning undermines one of the UK's greatest conservation achievements.

What You Can Do

Report suspected poisoning of red kites or other raptors to the police and RSPB
Avoid using second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides in gardens and farms
Support the Red Kite Poisoning Monitoring Programme to track population impacts
Advocate for stricter enforcement of wildlife poisoning legislation