The official figures show that there were noticeable decreases in recorded crime for fish poaching (from 110 to 49 offences) and hunting with dogs (from 44 to 13 offences).

Increases were seen for birds (from 29 to 74 offences) and “other wildlife offences” (from 43 to 73 offences).

The Crown Office received 77 cases relating to wildlife crime, with fish poaching being the most common category (23 cases). Criminal proceedings statistics in 2021-22 show that 18 people were proceeded against for wildlife crimes – a return to a more typical level after the very low numbers seen in 2020-21 due to the pandemic.

Agriculture minister Jim Fairlie said: “This government remains resolute in its efforts to strengthen protections for Scottish wildlife. Although this downward trend is welcome, we cannot become complacent to the plight of wildlife crime.

“In the case of raptor persecution, not only are these crimes heinous, they are hugely damaging to some of our very important rural sector businesses. We cannot let this destructive activity continue and it’s vital that we work with the sector to eradicate raptor persecution completely.

“Our work to protect wildlife continues. The recently passed Wildlife Management and Muirburn Bill and the Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Act are two key pieces of legislation that will help us to protect our natural environment.

“These measures will help us reinforce a zero tolerance approach to wildlife crime whilst allowing us to support rural businesses to undertake effective wildlife control.”