Three poisoned red kites in Mallorca: investigations underway

Poisoned red kites: concern among conservationists and authorities

In recent months, three red kites have been found on Mallorca that apparently did not die of natural causes. Environmental authority staff discovered the carcasses in two hunting grounds near Palma and Santanyí. Notably: All three birds carried GPS transmitters, part of a local protection program for raptors.

How the cases were discovered

The telemetry data led the teams to the discovery sites. A ranger from the Guardia Civil said the transmitters suddenly registered no movement — the next morning the dead birds lay in field margins and olive groves. One discovery dates back to February, two more in March. Follow-up checks in the area yielded evidence of laid-out poison baits.

This is no coincidence, comments a spokesperson for the island authority: "We assume that poison was deliberately used." The cases have been forwarded to the public prosecutor's office; criminal investigations are already underway. If guilt is proven, the perpetrators face several months up to two years in prison as well as substantial fines.

Why red kites are important

Red kites are a protected species. On Mallorca, as scavengers, they perform a practical role: they clean landscapes of animal remains and thus help maintain ecological balance. "If we lose these birds, it will change the local ecosystem," says a conservationist who has been monitoring nesting sites for years.

Threat to humans and pets as well

Authorities warn: poison baits threaten not only raptors but also dogs, cats and, in the worst case, people who are in affected fields or along paths. The island administration urges farmers, hunters and walkers to report suspicious finds immediately and to keep their distance.

Anyone with information should contact the Guardia Civil or the Consell's environmental department. In small towns like Santanyí, the news caused unrest: at the Saturday market, people talked about it; some named names, others called for tougher controls. Clearly, investigations are underway, and the island community awaits answers.