LISTEN: Highland Beaver Re-introduction Report Published
The study covers a trial re-introduction of the species to the north.
An effort to bring back beavers to the north's countryside is moving forward.
A Scottish Wildlife Trust report has been submitted to MSPs after a successful trial re-introduction in the Highlands.
The pilot scheme - started in 2009 - brought the mammals back to the Knapdale Forest, mid-Argyll.
The species was monitored by scientists in the area until May this year.
Project Manager of the Scottish Beaver Trial, Simon Jones, said: “The Scottish Beaver Trial Final Report documents every part of the reintroduction process.
"If there are any further reintroductions of beavers to Scotland, our story will prove to be essential reading.
"Beavers have never been legally reintroduced to Scotland before, for that reason, this report records the various lessons learned by the Scottish Beaver Trial team during the course of the project.”
Field Operations Manager for the Scottish Beaver Trial, Roisin Campbell-Palmer, said: “A very special trial, the Scottish Beaver Trial allowed for ground breaking research and thorough monitoring taking place in Knapdale over the five year period.
"We hope our findings and learnings will form a template for similar future reintroduction projects across the UK and beyond.”
The findings of the trial will help inform decisions to be made about the future of the species.
Any future beaver re-introductions will be determined by the Scottish Government.
A decision is expected in the second half of 2015.
MFR Reporter Derek Ferguson speaks with project manager Simon Jones about the trial...