Bernard Zonfrillo (Letters, December 2) displays some misunderstanding in relation to the conservation of birds of prey and the legal protection they enjoy.

Research has shown that, in the last century, peregrines were decimated by the use of DDT on agricultural land. This not only poisoned many birds but also made a high proportion of the remainder infertile.

However, in what is being hailed as one of nature's success stories, the number of peregrines in the UK has increased by more than four fold since the 1960s due to the phasing out of some agricultural pesticides. There are thought to be 1,500 pairs across the UK.

The Scottish Government and stakeholder groups have worked to eradicate all crimes against wildlife and the wildlife crime reports indicate we are making headway. Scotland has some of the most up-to-date legislation to protect wildlife and the legal framework to prosecute when necessary. With restrictions on the use of the general licence, prosecutions of landowners under vicarious liability and a custodial sentence, it is ludicrous to suggest Police Scotland turns a blind eye to bird crime.

With the exception of the kestrel, all of the UK’s birds of prey populations are on the increase with the majority at their highest ever levels.

Jamie Stewart, Director,

Scottish Countryside Alliance,

16 Young St, Edinburgh.