Red kite poisoned in Northern Ireland

25/11/2009 12:21:23 Two kites poisoned, one shot
November 2009. A Red kite has been killed in Northern Ireland. The kite, which was just five months old, was found beside a rabbit carcass that had been laced with the illegal poison alphachloralose. The kite was found dead on 8 October 2009 in Co Down. Wildlife charity the RSPB has said it is shocked and saddened by the discovery of an illegally poisoned red kite.

Robert Straughan, the RSPB's Red Kite Officer, who tracked the bird to the site, was appalled by his discovery of the dead kite. "My worst fears were confirmed when I saw the bird beside the rabbit's carcass. It was already dead by the time I got there. The PSNI took the bird and rabbit away for testing, and the results showed the use of an illegal poison. We are now working closely with the PSNI on the next steps," he said.

Red kites reintroduced into Northern Ireland
The RSPB's red kite reintroduction programme has been running here since 2008, when the wildlife charity release the first red kites back to Northern Ireland's skies after a 200-year absence. Robert said that the bird was less than six months old and had been released in County Down this summer.

Report wildlife crime

Emma Meredith, the PSNI's Wildlife Liasion Officer, said, "We would urge anyone who has information about this tragic event to come forward by calling police on 0845 600 8000, or information about crime can be passed to the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111. After all, it is to the advantage of everyone to stop wildlife crime as, by doing so, we protect our natural heritage - something which belongs to all of us."

Mr Straughan added "Our Environment Minister, Edwin Poots, was present at this bird's release on 23 July when we all watched her swoop in to the sky for the first time. The Minister also signed the RSPB's petition to stop killing birds of prey - unfortunately, this recent death is a very unwelcome reminder that there is still some way to go before we stamp out crime against our local wildlife. We keep a very close eye on all the red kites during their first year by radio tracking them. They are graceful fliers whose presence should be welcomed by all, especially local farmers and landowners. Red kites eat mainly carrion and worms and represent no threat to gamebirds or livestock."

Two kites poisoned, one shot
The RSPB confirmed that this is the second red kite that has been poisoned. The first kite was found suffering the effects of alphachloralose poisoning in the same area and was successfully treated and re-released, only to be found dead one month later. Altogether there have been five fatalities, one shot, one electrocuted, and the other having died of unknown causes. The three-year reintroduction project aims to release 80 red kites, which should be enough to establish themselves as a thriving breeding population.

"It is very sad when we do lose a bird, especially if it is to something which is preventable," said Robert. "They were extinct for almost 200 years in Northern Ireland due to persecution. There has been tremendous support for them since the first release last year and we hope that people do all they can to ensure that they can re-establish themselves here again."