Majestic birds of prey including the golden eagle, red kite and peregrine falcon remain at significant threat from illegal killing, according to a new RSPB Scotland report.
Shooting, trapping, poisoning and nest destruction were responsible for the death or injury of birds in more than 30 incidents throughout Scotland in 2011
Although there was a decline in the number of detected poisoning incidents from the previous few years, the report reveals that in 2011 a total of 20 birds, including four red kites and a golden eagle, were among those confirmed by Scottish Government testing to have been poisoned.
Other incidents recorded by RSPB Scotland during the year included a buzzard starved to death in a crow trap, a short-eared owl, two peregrines and three buzzards shot, and a goshawk nest destroyed.
The report also highlights the suspicious disappearances of nesting hen harriers and peregrines, and of golden eagles fitted with satellite transmitters by scientists studying their movements and survival.
As in recent years, the majority of illegal killings took place in areas managed for driven grouse shooting, particularly in the Eastern and Central Highlands and the Southern Uplands.
RSPB bosses said 2012 has brought continued persecution of iconic species, highlighting the case of a golden eagle found dumped in Aberdeenshire, thought to have been caught in an illegal trap.
Satellite data showed the bird was motionless for 15 hours on an Angus glen the day before its carcass was discovered.
The circumstances of the May incident remain a mystery.
Head of investigations Ian Thomson said: ”Many of these crimes were discovered purely by chance, by walkers or birdwatchers, in remote areas of countryside.
”It’s safe to assume that many victims of illegal killing are not detected or reported.
”While at last there may be some welcome indications that the indiscriminate use of illegal poisons is on the wane, it is clear from this report and the events of the last few months that there is a long way to go before these crimes are eradicated.”
The Scottish Government introduced new measures in the Wildlife and Natural Environment Act 2011, including vicarious liability which makes landowners responsible for the actions of their employees, meaning they could be liable for prosecution in the event of proven illegal activity against birds of prey.