CRIMES against birds of prey have fallen by more than a quarter, a mapping exercise has shown.
Crime maps produced by the Partnership for Action against Wildlife Crime show there were 14 such offences in 2016, compared to 19 the previous year.
Species illegally killed in 2016 included buzzards and a goshawk, while the golden eagle and osprey were victims of disturbance cases.
The maps show four poisonings, four shootings, three cases of disturbance and three of trapping or attempted trapping.
In addition, confirmed poisoning incidents fell from six in 2015 to four last year.
This gave 2016 the second lowest number of recorded poisonings in a single year since Paw Scotland began publishing maps in 2004.
Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: “These latest maps from Paw Scotland demonstrate there has been a further reduction in recorded bird of prey crimes. While this is good news, there is still much work to be done.
“I have ordered a review of the data from satellite tagged birds of prey in an attempt to shed new light on the disappearance of a number of tagged birds.
“So while I welcome these figures today, my message remains clear: The illegal persecution of Scotland’s magnificent birds of prey must end.
“The National Wildlife Crime Unit, now based in Stirling, plays an important role in protecting our wildlife.
“I’m delighted to confirm a further year of funding to allow the unit to continue its important work and help protect all of our wildlife, including birds of prey.”
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