Wildlife: Nine illegal acts against birds of prey recorded in 2017, down 36%

The number of recorded crimes against birds of prey in Scotland has fallen to its lowest level in years.

New figures from the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime Scotland show nine illegal acts against such birds in 2017, down 36% from the 14 the previous year.

They include just one incident of poisoning – the lowest since these records began in 2004.

During the year buzzards, owls and a hen harrier were killed, while a golden eagle, osprey and merlin were all victims of disturbances. There were also two shootings and two illegal trappings.

Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: “We have recently provided additional resources to Police Scotland for the detection and investigation of wildlife crime and set up a review group to look at grouse moor management, including the potential for licensing this type of business.”

Alex Hogg, chairman of the Scottish Gamekeepers Association, said: “In 2010, in Scotland, there were 22 cases of raptor poisoning, which was unacceptable.

“Seven years on, we are looking at one case, with shooting and trapping reduced substantially, as well.”

He added: “The SGA has expelled six members in six years for wildlife crime convictions.

“Going forward, we believe satellite tagged birds should be monitored independently.”

Duncan Orr-Ewing, head of species and land management for RSPB Scotland, said: “We welcome the latest statistics produced by Scottish Government, whilst remaining vigilant about new techniques being employed by wildlife criminals to target birds of prey in known hotspots, as evidenced by the continuing suspicious disappearance of satellitetagged golden eagles and hen harriers.

“For these grouse moor areas, we believe that a licensing system is required,” Mr Orr-Ewing added.

COMING DOWN: New figures show recorded crimes against birds of prey, including golden eagles, have fallen to the lowest level in years