Red kite found shot dead in Aberdeenshire

A bird of prey has been found shot dead in Aberdeenshire.

Police Scotland said the red kite was killed in Glenbuchat, near Strathdon, sometime on 3 and 4 February.

The force said it received a report on the incident on Wednesday and recovered the carcass with help from RSPB Scotland.

The details have come as new statistics suggest a 23% decrease in wildlife crime offences in 2022-23.

Det Con Danny Crilley, of Police Scotland's Wildlife Crime Unit, said red kites are a protected species.

He said: "Inquiries are ongoing and we are working with our partner agencies to establish the full circumstances of this incident.

"I would appeal to anyone with any information that may assist our investigation to contact us.

"Your information could be vital in in establishing what has happened.

"If you were in the Glenbuchat area on Monday 3 or Tuesday 4 February, and saw anything suspicious or have any information about shooting activity in the area, please contact us."

Figures published by the Scottish government show there were 66 fewer wildlife offences in 2022-23 compared to 2021-2022.

The government said the statistics, which were recorded by Police Scotland, suggest the crimes had almost returned to pre-Covid pandemic levels.

The highest numbers of offences were recorded in the Highlands and Islands - 35 - followed by 32 in Lothian and Scottish Borders and 32 in north-east Scotland.

The figures suggested 31% of offences involved birds and 25% were fish poaching incidents.

Landowners organisation Scottish Land and Estates has welcomed the fall in offences.

Ross Ewing, director of moorland, said: "This report provides clear and compelling evidence that wildlife crime in Scotland is in decline, thanks to stringent enforcement measures and the collective efforts of land managers and law enforcement agencies.

"Scotland has the toughest penalties for wildlife crime anywhere in the UK, and NatureScot's ability to revoke general licences is a strong deterrent to wrongdoing. We are pleased to see that these measures are having the desired effect."