The first baby beavers have been born in Scotland in more than 400 years.
At least two beaver kits have been born in Loch Beinn a Mheadhoin in Glen Affric, as part of a successful reintroduction project.
They have not been caught on camera in “historic” wildlife images – including one of the babies playing alongside its mother.
The kits are likely to have been born in May or June, before first emerging from the beavers’ lodge into the outside world during the past few weeks – the first born in Scotland since the 16th century. Now a protected species, the Eurasian beaver was once widespread in Scotland until hunted to extinction for its pelt, meat and musk oil.
Records indicate beavers may have survived in the country in small numbers until the 16th century, until efforts began to reintroduce them in 2009.
The births follow the release of a first family of five beavers and a beaver pair at two sites on the loch in Glen Affric National Nature Reserve last October, and the release of a further family of four beavers in February. The joint project was carried out by rewilding charity Trees for Life and government agency Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS).
Tobias Leask, beaver management officer for Trees for Life, was also been able to film the kits from a canoe.
He said: “These beaver kits symbolize a wildlife success story four centuries in the making, and how nature can recover when we give it a chance. “Seeing them for the first time is something I’ll never forget.
“It was one of those rare moments when you realize you’re witnessing history.
“These young animals represent the first generation of beavers that will help shape Glen Affric’s future – creating wetlands that support countless other species, improve water quality and build resilience to climate change. “It’s a wonderful milestone for everyone involved in the project.” (Yahoo news)
