The red kite (Milvus milvus) was formerly one of the most widespread and common raptors in the UK, found in a wide diversity of habitats, including urban areas. Intensive human persecution resulted in the extinction of the species in England and Scotland by the late 1800s, with only a few pairs managing to survive in a remote area of central Wales.
| The red kite is still heavily persecuted in some areas of Scotland. Photo © Tony Cross |
Following the RSPB’s successful re-introduction to various UK locations of red kites from Spain, Sweden and Germany from 1989 onwards, a slowly increasing population has become established in Scotland, although persecution still features as a limiting factor to population expansion in certain areas.
Natural Research has partnered with red kite experts from RSPB Scotland to help design and establish a national DNA database for long-term population monitoring. Using non-invasively collected DNA samples as a tool for effective population monitoring is becoming more prevalent, particularly for Scottish raptor populations that are subject to on-going persecution pressure. (Click here to see what we're doing with another heavily-persecuted raptor, the goshawk). The long-term, standardised collection of DNA samples can prove invaluable for facilitating future studies on the effects of persecution on population dynamics.
YOU CAN HELP THIS PROJECT!
Natural Research and RSPB Scotland have donated start-up costs for this project, and we are now seeking sponsors / donors to help cover the costs of the DNA lab work. If you are a corporate business looking to improve your 'green' credentials by sponsoring a high-profile wildlife conservation research project, please get in touch to discuss sponsorship opportunities. If you are a private individual who cares about the long-term future of red kites in Scotland, please consider making a donation to help support this project. Information on how to donate can be found by clicking here to visit our donations page.
Natural Research Ltd is a charity registered in Scotland (SC030363).
For further information, please contact ruth.tingay@natural-research.org
Thank you for your support.
Click the logo to visit our project partner's website
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