The Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA) has again been celebrating since it has found a significant decline in the count of birds of prey with only one case found so far this year in the nation, a recent report has uncovered.

However, the Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (Sasa), a governmental body, had affirmed after a previous data that not much change can be expected in the second quarter. The current findings have astonished one and all.

It was found earlier in 2010 and 2011 that the rate of illegally poisoned birds had come down by some 42%. While before the period, confirmed poisonings were 22 and 28 deaths had occurred, during that time, the former number fell to ten and deaths were noted to be 16.

Present data seeing only two birds of prey being poisoned with one raptor, which died in the Highlands, has raised hopes to see the elimination of this trend. Also, Alex Hogg, SGA chairman, says that it signifies that even criminals have understood that such an act would not leave them roam around freely.

“Through partnership working and education, the message is getting through to the tiny percentage of individuals whose actions work against the great majority who manage land and wildlife responsibly”, said Hogg.