Event to discuss wildlife crime

The birds were brought to Scotland for a reintroduction programme

The role of forensic science in fighting wildlife crime will be the subject of a conference at Strathclyde University in Glasgow.

Thirty of Scotland's wildlife crime authorities will be joined by experts from the Metropolitan Police and the RSPB for the event on 13 December.

The meeting comes after it emerged that a rare sea eagle had been killed on a grouse moor in Angus last week.

The bird had been one of 15 gifted to Scotland by Norway in August.

It was part of a reintroduction programme to boost numbers.

The conference will hear from wildlife crime officers, the procurator fiscal services and researchers from the Universities of Dundee, Glasgow and Strathclyde.

'Major impact'

James Govan, senior scientist with the Scottish Police Services Authority, who initiated the event, said: "The overall theme of the meeting is to assess the current contribution of forensic science to the investigation of wildlife crime in Scotland.

"Hopefully, by the end of the day, we will have answered the question of whether this meets with expectations and if not, what would be required to achieve a sensible forensic wildlife crime strategy in Scotland."

Professor Nicholas Fyfe, director of the Scottish Institute for Policing Research - which is co-hosting the conference, said: "The prevention and prosecution of wildlife crime are areas where Scotland has made significant progress in recent years.

"Moreover, wildlife crime is now recognised as a problem that does not just effect wildlife and the natural environment but also has a major impact on communities and businesses that rely on nature and wildlife tourism.

"This meeting will provide an important opportunity for leading experts in their fields to identify the contribution of forensic science to fighting wildlife crime."

Environment Minister Mike Russell said: "I am determined to see incidents of bird poisoning, badger baiting and other appalling acts stamped out.

"I recently announced a review of the investigation and prosecution of wildlife crimes and look forward to seeing its results early next year.

"I encourage any initiative like this which will assist in the detection and successful prosecution of wildlife crime."