Iconic species in Carlow poisoned by illegal and toxic substance amid public appeal
National Parks and Wildlife Service has reported that Orlagh, an iconic red kite bird in Carlow, was killed by an illegal poison
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) appeals for public information following the death of a Red Kite in Co. Carlow.
It has been reported that there was an illegal poison Carbofuran confirmed in the death of Orlagh – a red kite originally fledged in Co. Wicklow.
NPWS is appealing to the public to report any incidents of bird of prey persecution after recent toxicology results confirmed the illegal poison Carbofuran in a dead red kite in County Carlow.
Following a report from the Northern Ireland Raptor Study Group (NIRSG), NPWS staff collected the carcass and submitted it for testing to the State Regional Veterinary Laboratory.
Recent toxicology results on the red kite confirmed the presence of the banned pesticide Carbofuran.
The use of Carbofuran products in agriculture has been banned in Ireland since June 2009.
NPWS said that while it is no longer legally available anywhere in Europe, the poison is known to be illegally procured and used by that minority of people who persecute wildlife, particularly birds of prey.
Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, said “The poisoning of this red kite is deeply concerning. Carbofuran has been shown worldwide to be toxic to wildlife, and it is particularly toxic to birds.
“That’s why it has been banned for possession and use over the past twenty years. The use of Carbofuran is a criminal offence with penalties including convictions, fines of up to €5,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 12 months.
Birds of prey play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. I would encourage anyone with any information about the use of this substance, or harmful activity targeted at this iconic species to contact the NPWS.”
Hazel Doyle, NPWS District Conservation Officer, South Eastern Division said: “The NPWS is concerned about this development in County Carlow. Carbofuran is a highly toxic substance which is lethal, not only for wildlife but for domestic pets, farm animals and anyone that inadvertently comes into contact with it.”
“We need people to assist us in tackling this persisting issue in our countryside by coming forward with any reports such as meat baits found on lands or tethered live birds and animals which are generally laced with this poison to attract in birds of prey. In addition, any reports of suspicious dead birds of prey and birds dying in unusual circumstances”.
Dr. Marc Ruddock, red kite project manager with Golden Eagle Trust and co-founder of ‘Hawk-Eyes’ said: "This particular bird was a 3-year old red kite named Orlagh, originally fledged from a nest in Co. Wicklow.
“It was tagged with a GPS-tracker funded through the Golden Eagle Trust and NIRSG Hawk Eyes Programme as part of the cross-border ‘Hawk-Eyes’ project, which studies the lives and movements of these birds.
“What makes this bird even more special was that it was the first known breeder in Co. Carlow for over 300 years. It attempted to nest in 2025 and in early 2026 all signs indicated that it was nest building in the same area. We were very shocked to see the tag then stop moving suddenly."
Any suspected wildlife crime, including suspected poisoning or other unlawful killing of birds, should be reported to [email protected].
All reports will be treated with confidence.