Red squirrel groups being introduced to Highland forests
charity Trees for Life has identified forests near Kinlochewe and Plockton to release the animals
More red squirrels are to be introduced to Highland forests after a successful first attempt to boost their population.
The numbers of the animal have been devastated across the UK by the dominant grey squirrel, which carries diseases fatal to the red, and conservationists want to give them a "helping hand'' by establishing new habitats.
Forests near Kinlochewe and Plockton in the Highlands have been identified by the charity Trees for Life as sites to establish ten new groups of red squirrel.
The charity said it will "carefully relocate'' around 70 red squirrels from Inverness-shire and Moray.
It follows the successful first reintroduction in March this year when the charity relocated 33 red squirrels from Forres and Strathspey to native woods at Shieldaig in Wester Ross as part of the Red Squirrel reintroduction project.
A survey found the new population has bred during the summer, with several young squirrels observed and regular sightings reported by local people.
There are estimated to be only about 140,000 red squirrels left in Britain, with more than 2.5 million greys.
Trees for Life wildlife officer Becky Priestley said: "We are giving red squirrels a helping hand to return to some of their long-lost forest homes.
"Many Highland woodlands offer the species excellent habitat far from disease-carrying grey squirrels - but because reds travel between trees and avoid crossing large areas of open ground, they can't return to isolated woodlands without our help.''
The charity said there will be opportunities for people to help with monitoring the new squirrel populations by reporting sightings and by taking part in surveys over the winter.
Ms Priestley added: "Involving local communities is a big part of this exciting rewilding project. People love helping red squirrels and having them move into their local area.''