A Scottish government report released this week shows levels of poaching and wildlife persecution in the country have risen by over five percent in the past five years. However, the rate of conviction appears to have outpaced the rise in reported crimes.  

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The figures show that raptor poisonings – a major problem for wildlife crime officers in Scotland – doubled between 2012 and 2013. There were six confirmed cases of raptor poisoning last year. What is more, over two thirds of birds killed (70 percent) were poisoned with carbofuran, the study revealed.

The government said that possibly the most notable persecution incident in recent years was the illegal poisoning of a two year-old satellite-tagged golden eagle 'Fearnan' in the Angus Glens in November last year. As in the majority of poisoning cases, Fearnan died after ingesting carbofuran.

Commenting on the report, which can be read here, Environment and Climate Change Minister and Chair of PAW Scotland Paul Wheelhouse said, "While poaching is the most commonly recorded offence, crimes against our beautiful birds of prey and pearl mussels remain the most serious in terms of damage to Scotland's natural environment and our reputation. Though the numbers involved are relatively small, there is absolutely no room for complacency.

"Tackling wildlife crime is not just about law enforcement. We must continue to work with stakeholders to raise awareness and therefore ensure prevention, so that these crimes decrease."

Over the past two years, legislative changes introduced by the Scottish government have aimed to crack down on wildlife persecution. Mr Wheelhouse said, "Actions taken by the Scottish Government in 2013 and into 2014 have demonstrated the level of seriousness that this area of crime elicits.

"I remain unsympathetic to those who believe that crimes against wildlife are of little consequence and can somehow be justified. Offences can have massive ecological impacts whilst others involve great levels of cruelty and I will not accept this in a modern, vibrant Scotland."