Why we reintroduced these raptors from England to Spain

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Published 2022-08-16
After decades of decline, we are helping bring back the Red Kite to the Iberian wilderness! In this video, we will show you the journey these birds undertook from the UK to reach their new home in Spain and also explain why we are doing this.

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šŸ’Ŗ OUR PARTNERS IN THIS VIDEO
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AMUS www.amus.org.es/

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ā±ļøTIMESTAMPSā±ļø
0:00 Intro
1:10 About Red Kites
2:27 The problem
4:00 Our project

šŸ§ ABOUT THIS PROJECT
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The red kite (Milvus milvus), an iconic, graceful raptor has had a turbulent relationship with people over the centuries. This keystone species fulfils vital ecosystem services as a scavenger and predator, features that have seen them receive both praise and persecution. In mediaeval London they were hailed for ridding the streets of disease. In the following centuries their fate changed as they were targeted for their egg, hunted and poisoned to extinction in most of the UK. Translocating red kites from Sweden and Spain in the early 1990s revived the red kite in the UK and now itā€™s time to return the favour.

Today, in their southernmost range in the Iberian Peninsula the red kite is in severe trouble. Over the years they have faced numerous threats that have depleted their population to a critical level. This project plans to re-enforce their numbers by reintroducing 90-100 red kites from the UK to Extremadura in Spain, over a 3-year period. Multiple stakeholders are engaged in this effort to release, monitor and address the threats to ensure a successful recovery in this important region for the red kite. Through the contributions of our members we are providing the remaining funds needed to undertake this LIFE Eurokite project with our partners, AMUS.

Read more here:
mossy.earth/projects/red-kite-reintroductions

All Comments (21)
  • @MossyEarth
    šŸŒ² If you would like to support our rewilding and reforestation projects by becoming a member you learn all about them here: www.mossy.earth/ Every single member is essential and it is ultimately what makes our work possible. - Cheers, Duart
  • @Spiracle
    I see Red Kites all the time now here in the UK, hopefully we can achieve the same for Spain!
  • @asyd2905
    I love that youā€™re encouraging the people to participate in monitoring the birds. Thatā€™s so exciting, and will have far-reaching impact.
  • many species here in spain suffer from decline due to all the problems you mentioned, I hope you save many more species, we really need it. :)
  • I've recently become a member of Mossy Earth and have shown some friends your videos to show why. This is why. Your awesome portfolio of different projects that you divide the money over and the high efficiency with which you spend the (modest amount of) money that your members give you sets you apart from most "charities". Please keep up the amazing work!
  • Brilliant to see that some of our red kites here in the UK will be going to reestablish their populations in Spain!
  • @chrisc4527
    I remember seeing my first Red Kite in the mountains of mid Wales in the late 90s, was something special. Now, in south Bedfordshire and West Hertfordshire I see them almost every day. They fly over my home, and others fly over where I work. I even see them regularly up in Leicestershire.
  • @iaina3251
    When I lived in Wiltshire (UK) Kites were EVERYWHERE. Their reintroduction has been a huge success. Now, I'm in North Wales and didn't realise they had gotten this far North yet, but saw my first one last week. They're stunning birds and they're always a huge delight to see in the wild.
  • @mariac2943
    I'm from Spain. Love what you are doing! I'm from the outskirts of Madrid and here I see Red Kites (which are one of my favourite birds to see) all the time, in fact there has been an increase of population, you can even see them close to the city. I thank you for what you are doing in the parts of Spain where the population of this amazing birds are struggling. I hope the reintroduction is successful, for what I hear this project and others are already helping!
  • I experienced an experiment in a valley in Switzerland close to Zug in The vincinity of Zurich. In a given Valley, ALL farmers agreed to reduce the chemical entrants they spray on the fields. Over 2 years, a virtual cycle got triggered, smaller animal animals found good, creating a food chain and the shy was populated again but prey birds šŸ¦…!
  • @DH-xf2qp
    When I was growing up in Oxfordshire, England we never saw these magnificent birds. Now whenever I go back there to visit my Mother I see them every time. It shows these projects work and so good to repay the favour to Spain. šŸ‘.
  • What a great video! Love the full circle aspect of this project and the link with Matt's personal story. I also appreciate the transparency of the whole process. Looking forward to updates on this project!
  • @BadYossa
    I've had a pair nest in a large beech tree in my garden, which was pretty awesome. There are so many in Berkshire/Buckinghamshire/Oxfordshire, that you kind of take them for granted. There is a beautiful spot on the Thames, near Cliveden, where I often spot many roosting in the trees. I never tire of seeing them and hearing their distinct call. A truly magnificent bird. Well done to all @Mossy Earth for going that extra mile. We need more people like you!
  • There's now a red kite that regularly flies over where I work in South Wales. And I always see one over the M4 by Swindon, it's become a landmark but in the sky! I hope men and wildlife can co-exist in this area. Good luck little Red Kites!
  • @maselbac
    Nice to know the UK can give back what we receive
  • I live in Chesham and see and hear Red Kites all the time. Love them.
  • @Whothem
    We have soooooo many Red Kites in Chesham, they are so beautiful to watch just gliding over our town.
  • @danaroth598
    I live in an area of the U.S. where a similarly sized raptor (red-tailed hawks) are in plentiful supply, but seeing them stays enjoyable even if it's an everyday affair. I hope red kites become a similarly mundane pleasure for the U.K. and Spain!
  • I assume you have also engaged in an education process with local people. No more shooting, poisonings or capturing chicks! Thank you for your passion and dedication!! šŸ™šŸ¼šŸ™šŸ¼šŸ™šŸ¼ā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøšŸ’„