Editing NatureScot (section)

=== Protected species ===
[[File:Red_deer_stag_2009_denmark.jpg|thumb|NatureScot issues licences to cull [[red deer]] following its merger with the [[Deer Commission for Scotland]].]]
Vulnerable plant and animal species in Scotland are protected under various legislation. In many cases it is an offence to kill or capture members of a protected animal species, or to uproot plants. NatureScot's primary role in regard to protected species is to license activities that would otherwise be an offence.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.snh.gov.uk/protecting-scotlands-nature/species-licensing/|title=Species licensing - Scottish Natural Heritage|website=www.snh.gov.uk|access-date=2016-04-23}}</ref>