More than 100 freshwater pearl mussels have been found dead at a river south of Lochinver in the Highlands.

Police Scotland said the mussels had been taken from the river’s bed and the shells opened to see if there was a pearl inside.

The 113 dead mussels were found during a survey for the protected species. It is believed the poaching occurred over the summer.

Survey leader Dr Peter Cosgrove said he was “appalled” by the discovery.

He added: “It is very disheartening and distressing to discover this type of wildlife crime when so many local people are trying to help conserve this important and protected species.”

Daniel Sutherland, wildlife and environmental crime officer at Police Scotland, said: ”Scottish freshwater pearl mussels are a native species which are under serious threat of decline or worse extinction locally in the north of Scotland.

“These mussels are one of the wildlife crime policing priorities set out by government and police through the Partnership for Action against Wildlife Crime.”

Source:  BBC

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