UK Red Kites Support Spanish Population Recovery
More than 120 British-born red kite chicks have been released in southwestern Spain as part of a four-year conservation project. This initiative follows a successful reintroduction program in the United Kingdom, where the species had become nearly extinct by the late 1980s.
UK Reintroduction Background
Between the late 1980s and early 1990s, red kite chicks sourced from Spain and Sweden were released in the Chilterns, located on the Oxfordshire-Buckinghamshire border. This reintroduction led to the species thriving across the UK, with an estimated population of over 6,000 mating pairs, representing approximately 15% of the global red kite population. Dr. Ian Evans of Natural England was involved in the initial reintroduction efforts. The first breeding pairs were observed in 1991, indicating the project's potential for success and serving as a basis for establishing additional release sites in England and Scotland.
Spanish Reintroduction Project
British-born red kite chicks are now being relocated to southwestern Spain to assist in the recovery of the local red kite population. The region currently has fewer than 50 mating pairs, attributed to factors such as predators like the eagle owl, illegal poisoning, and electrocution. Starting in 2022, conservationists received special licenses from Natural England to collect red kite chicks, primarily from Northamptonshire, for transport to Spain's Extremadura region. Over the four-year project, approximately 30 chicks have been exported annually, totaling more than 120 chicks.
Red Kite Characteristics and Threats
The red kite is one of Britain's largest birds of prey, identifiable by its reddish-brown plumage, long wings, and forked tail. Historically, it was hunted extensively in the UK, leading to near extinction, with only a few breeding pairs remaining in central Wales at one point. Red kites primarily scavenge, feeding on carrion and small prey such as rabbits. The species breeds exclusively in Europe and is classified as endangered due to illegal persecution, including shooting, poisoning, and trapping.
Relocation and Release Process
Chicks are transported by air to Madrid, then by road approximately 385 km (240 miles) south to a wildlife hospital in Villafranca de los Barros, operated by Accion por el Mundo Salvaje (AMUS). Upon arrival, each chick undergoes weighing, measuring, and tagging, followed by the fitting of a GPS backpack for tracking purposes. The birds exhibit a motionless state when handled, a known protective response. The tagging procedure is described as causing minor discomfort. Juveniles adapt to the tags, which facilitate ground-based observation.
Subsequently, the birds are moved to holding aviaries near the Portuguese border for a two-week acclimatization period. At the remote release site, a sheep carcass is used to attract red kites. After the aviary gate is removed, the chicks remain inside for several hours before individually taking flight into the wild.
Survival Rates and Mitigation Efforts
Post-release monitoring is conducted via GPS tracking. Initial mortality rates for raptors, particularly during their first years of life, are reported as high. Approximately 25% of the red kites released during this project have survived. The primary threats include predators and natural causes. In 2023, eagle owls were responsible for half of the newly released red kite chick fatalities. In response, the AMUS team adjusted release methods and timing to enhance survival prospects.
Additionally, modifications have been made to thousands of kilometers of power cables to reduce electrocution risks.
Broader Persecution Issues
Illegal poisoning represents a significant human risk to birds of prey. Between 2020 and 2024, the Life EuroKite project tagged 3,060 red kites across 40 areas in 12 countries. By September 2024, 1,377 tagged red kites had died. Of these, 622 deaths were attributed to natural causes, including predation. Illegal poisoning accounted for 195 deaths, and illegal shooting for 54. Experts suggest these figures may not represent the full extent of illegal persecution.
In the UK, the RSPB collaborates with European partners to provide guidance on investigating poisoning cases. A 2023 report by the RSPB documented at least 1,344 birds of prey killed in the UK between 2009 and 2023. Mark Thomas, head of investigations at RSPB, stated that raptor persecution is linked to game estates, with two-thirds of convictions involving gamekeepers. He indicates that some gamekeepers on certain estates kill protected species. The RSPB proposes licensing game estates to address the issue, a measure disputed by the Countryside Alliance. The Countryside Alliance asserts that all incidents of raptor persecution are subject to condemnation, with established penalties including prison sentences and unlimited fines. Red kites, as scavengers, are frequently victims of poisoning incidents.
Future Outlook
The relocation project in Extremadura, Spain, has so far resulted in three mating pairs and two surviving chicks. With more tagged red kites expected to reach sexual maturity in the coming year, an increase in these numbers is anticipated. Mr. Godino notes that extensive areas in southern Spain that previously had common red kite populations now show significantly reduced numbers. The project aims to expand this conservation methodology to other regions of Spain.