A project by Trees for Life relocating red squirrels to their old forest homes in northwest Scotland has been boosted by evidence of breeding and natural expansion by the new populations. The conservation charity is reintroducing squirrels to suitable native woodlands in the Highlands, from which the species has been lost. Because reds travel between trees and avoid crossing large open spaces, they can’t return to these isolated forest fragments on their own. “Early indications are that this could be a real wildlife success story. The new squirrel populations are not only flourishing and breeding in their new homes, they…

Reacting to news that two beavers trapped near Beauly have died in captivity, Trees for Life Chief Executive Steve Micklewright said, “We are deeply saddened that the Beauly family of beavers has now been split up and two of them have died in captivity.” Mr Micklewright added, “Beavers have been in the area for 5-8 years with no local concerns or controversy. Many people had no idea they were there.” Beavers have recently been recognised by the Scottish government as a native species. Mr Micklewright added, “Native species require protection. The government should have explored all other options before trapping…

A coalition of ten environmental and outdoor organisations have repeated their appeal to the Scottish Government to introduce urgent safeguards for mountain hare populations. The group – which includes the John Muir Trust, Mountaineering Scotland and the RSPB – is asking for a temporary ban on all mountain hare culling on grouse moors until measures are put in place to ensure their numbers can remain at acceptable, sustainable levels. The Scottish Government has a duty to maintain mountain hare populations in a state of good health, otherwise it may be in breach of its legally binding international obligations for this…

More beavers will soon be arriving at the Scottish Beaver Trial site in Knapdale Forest, mid-Argyll. The Scottish Wildlife Trust and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), the lead partners in the project have been granted a species licence to reinforce the population of Eurasian beavers at the Trial site. Up to 28 beavers will be released into lochans on land managed by Forest Enterprise Scotland at Knapdale over the next three years. The idea behind the project is to give the small Knapdale beaver population the best possible chance of thriving in the long-term and to increase the…

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has restricted the use of licences to control birds in two separate cases this week. The decision was made on the basis of evidence provided by Police Scotland of wildlife crime against birds. These are the third and fourth such restrictions imposed by SNH. Edradynate Estate in Perthshire and an unamed individual in Aberdeenshire will have their licences restricted. They may still apply for individual licences, but these will be closely monitored. General licences allow landowners or land managers to carry out actions which would otherwise be illegal. This includes controlling common species of wild birds,…