These statistics also contain data on Crown Office cases, criminal proceedings and scientific evidence and intelligence. Key results from the report include:

Over half of all recorded wildlife crimes were categorised as either offences involving birds (31 per cent) or fish poaching (25 per cent).

The Police Scotland divisions with the highest recorded wildlife offences in 2022-23 were the Highlands and Islands (35), the Lothians and Scottish Borders (32) and the North East (31).

The Crown Office received 63 cases in 2022-23 relating to wildlife crime (which may include more than 1 offence per case), with fish poaching being the most common category (30 cases). Of these 63 cases, 37 (59 per cent) received an alternative to prosecution (e.g. fine), 15 (24 per cent) were prosecuted, and 11 (17 per cent) resulted in no action.

Criminal proceedings statistics for 2022-23 show that 36 people were proceeded against for wildlife crimes – a substantial increase from 2021-22 (20 people) and 2020-21 (2 people) which had been impacted by court closures and reduced capacities.