The European beaver is to be reintroduced to Scotland for the first time in more than 400 years, the Scottish Government has announced.
"Environment Minister Michael Russell has given the go-ahead for up to four beaver families to be released in Knapdale, Argyll, on a trial basis.
The beavers will be caught in Norway and released in spring 2009.
Mr Russell said: "This is an exciting development for wildlife enthusiasts all over Scotland and beyond."
The beavers, which will be captured in autumn 2008, will be put into quarantine for six months before three to four families are released. Five lochs have been proposed for the release.
This will be the first-ever formal reintroduction of a native mammal into the wild in the UK. "