According to RSPB Scotland, a wildfire that has been raging in the Highlands since Saturday has severely damaged a nature reserve.
Many ground-nesting birds, including black grouse, lost chicks or eggs in the incident near Cannich, south of Inverness, according to the charity.
Additionally, the Corrimony reserve of the RSPB has lost hundreds of native trees that were planted there to regenerate habitats.
Nasa satellites earlier this week picked up smoke from the fire.
Earlier than 13:00 on Sunday, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) received its initial call about the fire.
On Wednesday, it was put under control, but more than 20 firefighters are still on the scene addressing "deep-seated hotspots.".
The impact of the fire on wildlife still needs to be fully evaluated, according to RSPB Scotland.
Fast-moving species like spiders and lizards, according to the reserve's Simon McLaughlin, have managed to survive.
Frogs among those found dead, however, were others.
The dozens of firefighters and estate workers who assisted in putting out the fire were thanked by RSPB Scotland.
The charity stated: "The impact on many ground-nesting birds, who have lost their chicks and eggs, has compounded the already severe damage to Corrimony. ".
Earlier this week, NASA satellite images revealed that the wildfire's smoke was moving 12 miles (20 kilometers) west toward Loch Ness.
In order to protect themselves from the smoke, people who lived close to the fire were instructed to keep their home's doors and windows shut.
The affected area may be smaller than initially thought, according to the most recent satellite data.
The SFRS estimated that the flames had consumed an area of moor and woodland covering 30 square miles (80 square kilometers), making it the largest wildfire ever recorded in the UK.
It is now thought to be five square miles (15 square kilometers) in size, according to the service.
Recent satellite images appeared to show that the "monumental" firefighting effort had successfully contained the incident, according to wildfire analysts.
This has been a difficult, large-scale fire that has undoubtedly had an impact on the local rural community, according to SFRS group commander Niall MacLennan.
"Until the area is declared safe, our crews, who have been battling this wildfire nonstop since Sunday, will stay there. ".
Nine appliances from SFRS and their crews were on the scene at the height of the incident earlier this week. Workers from the estate, such as gamekeepers and RSPB staff, as well as helicopter water bombing, assisted them.
During the operation, two firefighters suffered injuries when their all-terrain vehicle turned over. After being treated, they were released from the hospital after being flown there.
Wildfires pose a threat to both life and the environment, according to Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown, who was speaking at the Scottish Parliament.
I appreciate all the firefighters and others battling this wildfire, the woman said.
"At this time of year, the weather and conditions make it easier for fires to start and spread quickly.
"Even the smallest fire can spread and destroy entire communities, hillsides, livestock, farmland, wildlife, protected land, and sites of particular interest. ".
Associate professor at the London School of Economics and wildfire expert Dr. Thomas Smith described a "monumental" effort to put out the fire in a tweet.
Dr. Smith and others suggested the damage covered a smaller area than initially believed after analyzing the most recent satellite imagery that was available.
According to Michael Bruce of Firebreak Services Ltd. in Aberdeenshire, a satellite used by the EU's Copernicus program and the European Forest Fire Information System indicated 2,426 acres (982 ha) were involved.
However, due to hotspots outside the main area of the wildfire, he added that it could total 2,718 acres (1,100 ha).
According to Mr. Bruce, the local landowners and SFRS worked together to successfully contain the fire to this size.
Given the smoke and potential for further spread and the fact that everyone on the scene is focused on putting out the fire, it is never easy to determine the size of a fire quickly.
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