© Laurie Campbell
A new group is being setup in Dumfries and Galloway to help conserve the homes and habitats of nine different native Scottish species of amphibians and reptiles of which the area is a stronghold.
The species are listed as the common frog, common toad, natterjack toad, palmate newt, smooth newt, great crested newt, adder, common lizard and slow worm.
Whilst many of these species are found elsewhere in the country, others are rare and protected species such as the great crested newt and the natterjack toad, the latter is only found in this region.
The new conservation group aims to learn more about the local populations of these species and where they can be found. The group will also aim to educate people about the habitats that they live in and look at ways in which the habitats can be better managed and conserved.
A meeting of the new group will take place at the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust's Caerlaverock nature reserve nature reserve on the 14th May.
Further information can be found on the BBC website.