Conservationists are transporting red squirrels to Wales where a new wild colony of the threatened species will be established.
It follows the success of a project to rid the island of Anglesey of non-native grey squirrels, increasing its red squirrel population from around 40 in 1998 to more than 700 today.
There are now so many reds on the island, in north Wales, that some are crossing the bridges to mainland Wales, and conservationists are encouraging populations at Ogwen Valley, five miles from Bangor.
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The site was selected as mountains help shield it from grey squirrels, which carry a disease that is deadly to reds.
Conservationist Dr Craig Shuttleworth said the mainland colony was initially comprised of squirrels that crossed one of two bridges over the Menai Strait, a narrow stretch of tidal water that separates Anglesey from mainland Wales.
As this is a fraction of the total squirrel population on the island it lacks genetic variation, so squirrels bred in other parts of the UK are being transported to Ogwen Valley to boost blood lines and help the population thrive.
"We want to bring the extra genetic diversity," he said. "Movement occurs across the straits but it's quite small scale."
Explaining the decision to support red squirrel populations at that location, he said the approach was like that of a "tactical military strategist" and added mountains around the site helped protect it.
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"It's easier to defend an area if there are geographical pinch points," he said.
Ten squirrels bred by the East Anglian Red Squirrel Group in Norfolk are among those destined for Wales in special squirrel boxes.
Chrissie Kelley, head of species management at Pensthorpe Conservation Trust in north Norfolk, is overseeing the resettlement.
"Our colleagues in Wales know we breed good squirrels and ours will be joined by breeding stock from other places around the country to ensure the widest genetic mix as possible," she said.
The trust has previously sent squirrels to Anglesey, including several from prolific wonder-mum Tortoiseshell - who gave birth to 50 red squirrel kittens during her nine-year lifetime, before her death earlier this year.
Five of her great-grand-kittens, including a pair called Fire and Flame, will be among those travelling to the Ogwen Valley.
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Native red squirrels have been almost wiped out by rival grey squirrels which arrived from America in the 19th century, save for a few strongholds in Scotland and the border counties.
Tree felling has also led to a decline in populations.
Grey squirrels now outnumber reds by 20 to one and some conservationists fear the species could be wiped out in a generation.
Dr Shuttleworth said red squirrels were "very rare" in Wales and non-native grey squirrels caused significant damage to the environment, and it was legitimate to control grey squirrel populations.
"If you can't take action to conserve a cute, cuddly animal like the red squirrel what hope do we have for the less charismatic species [that are at risk]?" he said.
"It should be an easy win."
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