THE Highland stag is perhaps one of the most recognisable symbols of Scotland.

But December’s unseasonably warm weather could threaten the country’s deer population, a conservation charity has warned.

Conservationists the National Trust for Scotland also said that the animals could be affected by bouts of heavy rain sweeping the Highlands.

Nature Conservation Adviser Lindsay Mackinlay said: “Animals like deer don’t do well in the rain and could be badly affected. It could have a really big impact on the conservation. If it remains warm, the deer will use up their fat reserves and many could die.

“There’s always winners and losers. If a lot of deer die, then the golden eagles will be happy.”

Research by the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna found that deer eat half as much food in winter than they do in summer.

Deer are opportunistic feeders, who eat when they can and then store the energy for later. 

Red Deer on the open hills have increased by around 80 per cent since the 1960s, with numbers stabilising thanks to culling. 

According to the Met Office, December’s weather has been over three degrees warmer than average so far.

Mid-month statistics suggest that this is the fourth warmest December on record.

The Met Office has put out a yellow weather warning for rain in the Highlands, which is expected to clear on Saturday morning.

The rain has also affected the Trust’s mountain footpaths. The lack of snow in Scotland will also mean that there will be less plants for mountain animals to graze on in the spring.