Speaking in Parliament Russell said that the Scottish Government accepts all of the recommendations in the ‘Natural Justice’ wildlife crime report and announced an additional £200,000 over three years to strengthen the fight against wildlife crime. 

He said: "A crime against Scotland's rich and unique natural heritage is a crime against Scotland itself, be it poisoning a bird of prey, badger baiting or the theft of pearl mussels. 

"The recent report on wildlife crime provides a blueprint for bringing to bear the full professional expertise of those agencies responsible for investigating, detecting and prosecuting crimes against our vital natural heritage.” 

As part of this he said that the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime (PAW) will be strengthened and invited to propose projects that show that target investment in law enforcement can produce “worthwhile” results. In addition, he said that he has agreed with Scottish Natural Heritage that they will set aside £200,000 over the next three years to fund projects aimed at combating wildlife crime. 

He continued: "While there have been some positive signs of change, and despite the widespread support of conservation and countryside sports groups, the level of wildlife crime in Scotland remains disgracefully high. 

"By accepting the recommendations of this report, the Scottish Government is showing strong leadership on a sensitive issue and I want to see others follow suit. 

"The review places great emphasis on the need for effective partnerships as the key to defeating wildlife crime and we can do much to co-ordinate improved prevention, detection and prosecution. 

"The abuse of wildlife is a crime, and it is a crime that the Scottish public will no longer tolerate. By working together we will stamp it out." 

Ron Macdonald, head of policy and advice at SNH added: 

"We are delighted to be able to play our part in this new wildlife crime initiative today and we welcome the Scottish Government's sustained action to tackle this issue. 

"SNH has a central role in terms of prevention by providing education and raising awareness about wildlife crime in Scotland today.  Wildlife crime can take different forms, from illegal killing of freshwater pearl mussels to raptor persecution. 

"We are pleased and proud to be working with our PAW colleagues in drawing up an action plan of priorities under this additional £200,000 funding over three years that SNH will take forward."

 'Natural Justice: A joint thematic inspection of the arrangements in Scotland for preventing, investigating and prosecuting wildlife crime' by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary for Scotland and the Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland can be found here.