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Red Kite reintroduction, and the threat from poisons.

What should you do if you discover a possible poisoning incident?

Note the exact location on a map and record as many details as you can, the species involved and any evidence such as suspected bait. If possible take photos or draw diagrams of the scene.
Warn people to stay away.
Do not touch the carcase or bait as some poison can be absorbed through the skin.
If possible, cover the evidence to make it safe.
Report the incident as quickly as you can on 0800 321 600 (freephone) so a government inspector can visit the site.
If animals nearby look distressed consult a vet urgently

Good Practice for rodenticide use;

Always follow the product/manufactures instructions
Only put rodenticides out in areas of rodent infestation
Use poisoned bait only in the amount required to achieve control and only use for a limited time
Make sure the bait is sufficiently protected (preferably in bait boxes) to avoid accidental poisoning of wildlife
Carry out regular searches for dead rodents and dispose of them safely by burial or burning.
Keep accurate records of bait points and when they were refilled.

The story of the red kite in the UK highlights that, with help, species on the brink of extinction can recover. At the beginning of the Second World War, just ten pairs of red kites remained in mid Wales. These pairs were protected were from egg collectors and managed to raise a small number of young each year.

Red kites (above) are particularly at risk from illegal poisoning, as they are scavengers. Report any dead bird of prey that appears to otherwise be in good health. © Department for Environment.

However, the slow rate of population increase meant it would be many decades before red kites would be seen in other parts of the UK. A decision was made to start a re-introduction programme and bring birds from European populations to try and establish red kite breeding populations outside of Wales.

Breeding populations have now been successfully established in the Chilterns, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, and near Gateshead, as well as around Inverness, Stirling, Dumfries and Galloway.

The first project in the Chilterns was so successful that there are now over 300 breeding pairs of red kites flourishing in Southern England.

Rabbit, lamb or pigeon carcases are often used as bait for foxes, corvids or birds of prey. The body may be slit open or skinned, and pegged down to prevent removal. Rabbit, lamb or pigeon carcases are often used as bait for foxes, corvids or birds of prey. The body may be slit open or skinned, and pegged down to prevent removal. © DEFRA

Although work has been carried out to stabilise the population, a substantial number of Red Kites die each year as a result of illegal poisoning. Red kites are largely scavengers, which means they readily take poisoned meat baits and are also very susceptible to secondary poisoning from rat poisons.

When used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions rodenticides (rat poison) can be quite safe, but when used irresponsibly without due care and attention, wildlife can suffer.

Secondary poisoning
The increasing use of stronger, more toxic, forms of rodenticides to control rodents is causing mounting anxiety about their possible side effects to other wildlife. Many dead kites examined have been found to contain varying amounts of these rodenticides.

Rodenticides left in the open pose a risk to all wildlife as well as domestic animals. © Department for Environment.

This poison has undoubtedly originated from the bodies of rats and mice that have been poisoned and not recovered.

Poisoned rats do not die immediately; affected animals may stumble out into the open, away from the original bait. These dead and dying rats prove irresistible to any foraging animals, especially kites. It is therefore important to collect and safely dispose of any carcases that have been treated with rodenticides to prevent secondary poisoning of non-target species.

Campaign Against Illegal Poisoning
In 1991 the government and Pesticide Safety Directive launched the Campaign Against Illegal Poisoning in association with its Wildlife Incidents Investigation Scheme (WIIS) to inform people about illegal poisoning and how to carry out safe methods of pest control.

The objectives of the Campaign are:
• To advise the public on how to recognise and report illegal poisoning incidents
• To alert the public to respect the legal methods of pest control
• To investigate incidents and prosecute offenders. The Campaign relies on members of the public reporting incidents or suspicions of illegal poisoning to the freephone number 0800 321 600.

What to look out for?
If you find a dead or injured red kite in the countryside it does not mean they have been poisoned. Animals die for a number of reasons – including predation and disease.

Poisoning can be suspected if baited carcases are found, where several dead birds or animals occur together, or if apparently healthy creatures seem to have died suddenly. Also watch for chickens’ eggs in unusual places, perhaps with a mark on them. They may have been injected with a poison.

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