THE number of birds of prey being poisoned in Scotland has fallen to a record low but 16 birds were killed last year.
A group fighting wildlife crime today publish a "hotspot map" today showing where the raptors died.
It shows 10 poisoning incidents from East Sutherland to the Borders, resulting in the 16 deaths which included seven buzzards, four red kites and a golden eagle.
The eagle, which subsequently tested positive for the banned pesticide carbofuran, was found on the North Glenbuchat Estate, in Strathdon, Aberdeenshire, at the end of March. The estate is owned by the Marquess of Milford Haven, a relation of the Queen.
The Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime's hotspot map for 2011 shows a marked improvement on the 22 incidents and 28 birds of prey poisoned in 2010. The figures were even worse in previous years.
Environment Minister Stewart Stevenson said he welcomed the reduction in poisoning incidents and hoped the downward trend would herald an end to "this outdated, dangerous and cruel practice".
He said: "Birds of prey are a key part of our eco-systems and a magnificent spectacle in our countryside. They are valued by locals and visitors alike.
"However, a small minority continue to persecute them for their own selfish ends. I hope we are beginning to see a change in attitude. In the meantime, we will continue to work with our partners in PAW Scotland to tackle poisoning and other forms of wildlife crime."
Douglas McAdam, chief executive of the landowners' organisation Scottish Land and Estates, said: "These statistics reveal the lowest number of cases on record for confirmed illegal poisoning of birds of prey since we started producing these hotspot maps.
"This is very welcome and encouraging news and clearly demonstrates substantial progress in this area. From a high of 34 birds of prey illegally poisoned in 2006 we have seen a significant drop to only 16 in 2011, a drop of more than 50%."
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