‘More work to be done’ to protect birds of prey

FEWER crimes were committed against birds of prey last year but ‘there is still much work to be done’ to protect them.

There were 1 confirmed incidents in 2016 – down from 19 the previous year, according to the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime (Paw).

At least seven buzzards and one goshawk were illegally killed, while a golden eagle and osprey were disturbed.

The crimes, carried out across Scotland, included four shootings, three cases of disturbance and three trapping or attempted trapping offences.

Confirmed poisonings fell from six in 2015 to four last year – the second lowest number in a single year since Paw Scotland began publishing its crime maps in 200 .

Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: ‘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. The illegal persecution of 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.’

Detective Chief Superintendent Sean Scott, chairman of the Paw Scotland raptor group, said: ‘We will continue to work with partners and the public to protect Scotland’s wildlife.’

Douglas McAdam, chief executive of Scottish Land & Estates, said: ‘We condemn any form of raptor crime and are active partners in projects working to bring back at-risk bird species in areas where their populations have declined.’