Figures show 11% increase in wildlife crimes recorded by police
The number of wildlife crimes recorded by police rose by 11% last year.
The number of wildlife crimes recorded by police rose by 11% last year.
A total of 284 crimes were recorded in 2014/15, up from 255 in 2013/14, with the jump partially due to an increase in cruelty to wild animals.
Fish poaching remains the most commonly-recorded crime, with 101 offences in 2014/15 compared with 90 the previous year.
Crimes against birds was the second most common offence, down to 49 from 53.
There was a 70% increase in the number of incidents of cruelty to wild animals, up from 22 to 38.
The figures are contained in the annual wildlife crime report, which also shows crimes have fallen by 20% in the five years to 2015.
The report brings together data from the Scottish Government, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), Police Scotland and other sources.
It shows that COPFS received 98 wildlife cases in 2014/15, and prosecuted 40, of which 28 resulted in convictions.
Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: "This fourth wildlife crime annual report continues to shine a spotlight on the ongoing issues we are facing to protect Scotland's wildlife from illegal activity.
"Responding to feedback, this report now contains even more detailed data as we strive to improve the big-picture view of the true extent of wildlife crime in Scotland.
"We continue to respond to the challenges that we face and that is why I recently instructed a review of satellite tagging data to get to the bottom of why so many of our tagged birds of prey are going missing.
"I remain determined to tackle outdated practices and attitudes. Scotland's wildlife is for everyone to enjoy; not for criminals to destroy for their own ends.
"The Scottish Government will use all of the tools available to enable our law enforcement colleagues to bring those responsible to account."