Recorded wildlife crime down
RECORDED wildlife crime has fallen by eight per cent, according to official figures.
The annual wildlife crime report shows reported offences have dropped from 284 in 2014/15 to 261 the following year.
Fish poaching, which remains the most prolific wildlife crime, was down by 26 per cent.
The report shows an increase in hunting with dogs to 44 – up 24 offences over the previous year.
The data in the report refers to recorded wildlife crime. It does not, for example, include satellite-tagged birds which may have disappeared in suspicious circumstances, as without a carcass or other hard evidence of criminal activity, Police Scotland are not able to record these incidents as crimes.
Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Roseanna Cunningham said: ‘This fifth wildlife crime annual report provides useful data on the issues we face trying to protect Scotland’s wildlife from illegal activity.
‘It shows a decrease in overall recorded wildlife crime, which is welcome.
‘However, there is no room for complacency. We know from the report published earlier this year that it is very likely that golden eagles and other raptors are being illegally killed every year, but where there is no body or tag to be found, these losses do not make it into the recorded crime figures.’
Scottish SPCA Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn added: ‘Although we are pleased to see the decrease, wildlife crime continues to cause us great concern.
‘The increase in hunting with dogs is very worrying and we will work with Police Scotland in any way to tackle wildlife crime in Scotland.’
Duncan Orr-Ewing, for RSPB Scotland, said: ‘We welcome the publication of the report and the continued scrutiny by the Scottish Government of this issue.
‘Sadly, wildlife crime, including the illegal killing of our of native birds of prey, remains a blight on the international reputation of Scotland and, in our view, stronger sanctions are required to act as a deterrent.
‘At the end of May 2017, an official report into the fate of satellite-tagged golden eagles showed that many of these birds were disappearing in suspicious circumstances, primarily on land managed for driven grouse shooting. As a result, an independent inquiry has now been launched by the Scottish Government into how grouse moors can be managed sustainably and within the law, including consideration of options for a licensing system.
‘We believe that an effective licensing system for driven grouse shooting, including sanctions to remove licences to operate where illegal activity is confirmed, could help tackle persistent criminality, and promote the required culture change in this sector. It would also provide safeguards for those land managers who operate responsibly.
‘The disappearing satellite-tagged golden eagles, along with other similar occurrences to hen harriers, give a strong indication that the wildlife criminals have not stopped their activities, and instead may have changed their methods in order to avoid detection.’
The Scottish Gamekeepers’ Association responded: ‘The SGA is once again pleased at continuing progress in terms of further substantive reductions in wildlife crime in Scotland, at a time when public scrutiny and awareness is at its peak.
‘We have a strict code regarding wildlife crime which is fully understood by our membership.
‘The SGA advocates and seeks only legal and adaptive solutions to resolving species conflicts.
‘We note Scottish Government’s intention to hold a review of grouse shooting in Scotland and will participate fully in what we hope will deliver sound evidence and not implication or speculation.’