Bird of prey poisonings have fallen "dramatically" in Scotland over the past year, according to the Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA).
In 2011, there were 10 confirmed illegal poisonings, with the death of 16 raptors.
The figure had represented a 42% fall from 2010, when there were 22 incidents recorded and 28 birds of prey lost.
This year, there was only one confirmed poisoning incident in the first quarter to the end of March.
Tests showed a dead golden eagle found in the Highlands in March had been poisoned using the substance aldicarb bendiocarb.
The Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture government body confirmed there will be "no significant change between quarter one and quarter two" for 2012, with the understanding being that only two birds of prey have been illegally poisoned this year to date.
SGA chairman Alex Hogg said the results for the first half of the year are hugely encouraging and he believes that the poisoning of birds of prey will eventually be eliminated.
He said: "As members of the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime, the Scottish Gamekeepers Association is hugely encouraged by the results for the first half of 2012.
"The fall in incidents last year was dramatic and, hopefully, by the end of 2012 we will have another statistic to celebrate.
"The poisoning of birds of prey has no place in our countryside and, through partnership working and education, that message is getting through to the tiny percentage of individuals whose actions work against the great majority who manage land and wildlife responsibly."
DC Charles Everitt, Scottish investigative support officer with the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit, said: "Last year's drop in confirmed illegal poisoning was very encouraging and to continue that downward trend would show excellent progress towards ridding Scotland of this unlawful and antiquated practice."
The results were regarded cautiously by the RSPB, who claimed that birds of prey are also targeted by means other than poisoning.
The charity said the golden eagle found in the Highlands in March was easy to find because it had a satellite transmitter fitted to it while many other birds without such equipment go undetected.
The RSPB did, however, welcome the introduction of new Scottish Government legislation protecting birds of prey which came into force on January 1, saying it had contributed to the decline.
The penalty for poisoning a bird of prey can be up to six months' imprisonment and/or a £5000 fine.
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