More police officers are being trained to tackle wildlife crime.
Police Scotland said a new advanced training course will see it have a network of more than 100 extra wildlife crime liaison officers across its 14 divisions. The course will take place next month.
A specialist wildlife crime co-ordinator has also been appointed to a new post created in the Highland and Islands division, with the officer due to take up role at the end of August.
The investigators will tackle a range of wildlife crimes, including harming animals such as bats and badgers; illegal trade in endangered species; the poaching of fish and deer, and targeting birds of prey.
Detective Chief Superintendent Sean Scott, said: "Crimes perpetrated against the wildlife and the natural environment of Scotland consistently attract an extremely high level of interest and concern from communities, both locally and beyond.
"Tackling wildlife crime with our partners is a priority for Police Scotland and our officers use the most up-to-date investigative techniques, including state-of-the-art forensic examinations, the use of modern technology and enhanced training of specialist staff."
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