THERE'S a new twist in the furry tale of the American mink in Scotland.

The animals, which have been the target of a culling campaign in the Highlands and Islands because of their devastating impact on other wildlife, have found a new ally in the beaver. And they've become very close.

Scientists have discovered a new crossbreed species that seems to be the result of mink and beavers mating.

The new species is as ferocious as the mink while retaining the dam-building habits of the beaver. And conservationist groups are worried this will open a new front in the war against the mink. The American mink were imported into Scotland in the 1950s for fur farming but a number escaped and have become an invasive predator on native birds, fish and water voles. Now this new species - colloquially known as a "minker" - may pose fresh problems.

There are fears beavers may be pushed out by this more aggressive crossbreed.

April Fullerton, of pressure group Highland Beaver Action, is concerned the beaver may disappear. "It would be a terrible loss," she said.