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Rare Bird of Prey Rescued; Man Investigated
21 Nov, 2025
Summary
- A man was released under investigation for actions concerning a protected bird.
- Red kites, once extinct in England, now number 6,000 pairs.
- All birds of prey are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Authorities are continuing their inquiries into an incident involving a protected red kite, with a man having been released under investigation. Police remind the public that all birds of prey, including red kites, are safeguarded by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Members of the public are advised to report any suspected illegal activity concerning dead birds of prey to the police via their website, cautioning against touching the animals.
This resurgence is a remarkable conservation success story. Red kites, which were once extinct in both England and Scotland for approximately 40 years, have seen their numbers dramatically increase. This population growth is attributed to dedicated conservation efforts undertaken between 1995 and 2022.
It is estimated that there are now around 6,000 breeding pairs of red kites across Europe, where the species is exclusively found. The successful reintroduction and population growth highlight the positive impact of conservation work on endangered wildlife.
