Scottish ministers urged to honour pledge to protect beavers

Wildlife groups say delay has allowed some farmers to systematically cull the animals

" Letter: Scotland must commit to helping beavers make a comeback

Wildlife experts have said wild beavers in Scotland are being trapped and shot because ministers have broken promises to make them a protected species.

A group of 17 prominent ecologists and conservation bodies have signed a letter to the Guardian urging the Scottish government to honour its pledge two years ago to legislate to protect more than 400 wild beavers in the southern Highlands and Tayside.