Bird lovers have pledged thousands of pounds towards a reward for information about the deaths of 16 raptors in the Highlands.
RSPB Scotland has set up a Justgiving web page after being inundated by calls from members of the public asking to contribute.
Last night a total of 118 people had made donations, raising a total of £2,434 to be added to an existing £10,000 reward.
Police confirmed last week that 12 red kites and four buzzards had been found dead in Ross-shire. At least some of the birds were illegally poisoned.
RSPB Scotland is offering a £5,000 for information that leads to a successful conviction. An anonymous donor has pledged a further £5,000.
If the reward is not needed, the fund will be used for RSPB Scotland’s wildlife crime investigations work to reduce wildlife crime and safeguard birds of prey.
Police are working with the conservation charity, the Scottish SPCA and experts from the Scottish Agricultural College to investigate the deaths, all of which have been discovered in a two-square mile area to the south- east of Connon Bridge around Connon Brae, Balavil, Leanaig and Alcaig.
Officers are appealing for information and have advised anyone who finds any dead birds of prey to note the location and inform them immediately.
Duncan Orr-Ewing, head of species and land management for RSPB Scotland, said: “Our staff have been inundated with calls from concerned members of the public voicing their personal anger and frustration about this appalling incident and calling for firm action by the authorities against the perpetrators.
“Many have said they would like to contribute financially to the reward already on offer, and this Justgiving webpage will allow those who wish to do so.
“We urge anyone with information to contact Police Scotland as soon as possible.”
To donate go to www.justgiving.com/ wildlifecrimescotland