BEAVERS reintroduced to the wild in a project to bring back the species in Scotland are devouring an "uncommon" plant, according to a new report.

The Scottish Beaver Trial, launched in 2009, has seen the native animals settle back in to Scottish life more than four centuries after they were hunted to extinction. Knapdale Forest, Mid-Argyll, is now home to more than 16 beavers, with names including Frid, Frank, Katrina, Millie and Trude.

Reports commissioned by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) reveal the animals are gnawing and felling trees near their lodges.

But they have also developed a "particular preference" for Cladium mariscus, or great fen-sedge.

The perennial, which can grow up to 9ft tall, was only found in five Knapdale lochs, all of which were occupied by beavers, which have munched through 83 per cent of the stock. The animals even abandoned lochs where it did not exist.

The report, compiled by the University of Stirling, reads: "This species was heavily grazed by beavers wherever it occurred.

"In overall terms, the standing stock of C mariscus in the Knapdale lochs decreased by 83 per cent.

"Only one other species, S lacustris in Loch Linne, experienced beaver-induced declines on a similar scale."