Background Eleonora’s falcon (Falco eleonorae) is a migratory falcon breeding in the Mediterranean (Algeria, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Spain, Tunisia and Turkey) and Atlantic islands off the northwest coast of Africa (Canary Islands, Morocco). The global population size is estimated at around 15 000 breeding pairs, with the vast majority – 12 360 pairs or 80% – breeding in Greece. The breeding period of this species is synchronised with the autumn flux of migratory passerines, which fly over the colonies and constitute its main food source. Nesting sites are located on uninhabited islets and rocky coasts in the Mediterranean. The Greek breeding colonies are widely distributed in more than 300 islands and islets, mainly in the Aegean Sea, while a few can also be found in the Ionian Sea. The first global census of the species (2004-6) showed that the population is stable but also provided valid indications for a northward shift in the species’ distribution in the Aegean. The reasons appear to be related to the constant raising of maximum summer air temperatures in the Eastern Mediterranean, which affect egg thermoregulation and lead to increased egg infertility, the predation of eggs and nestlings by rats, and a possible mismatch of the species’ breeding period with the changing passerine migratory flux over its colonies (also possibly attributable to climate change). Objectives The LIFE ElClimA project aims to facilitate the adaptation of Eleonora’s falcon to ongoing and future climate change. It plans to implement a series of targeted conservation actions to improve the species’ breeding performance and the quality and availability of its foraging areas. The project will conduct monitoring actions to provide an updated report on the species’ population and breeding status. It will assess the bird’s foraging behaviour and habitat quality, as well as the impact on these habitats of land use changes and climate change. To improve the breeding performance of the target species, the project will construct artificial nests in important breeding areas. It will also help to eradicate rats from target islet complexes to reduce the significant levels of predation of falcon eggs and chicks. A key action for improving the quality and availability of food for the falcon will be the planting of fruit trees at identified stopover sites for passerines – thus improving the availability of prey. The project will also network with experts to identify emerging threats to the species and its habitats. Expected results: An update on population and breeding status of Eleonora’s falcon in key breeding areas; Identification and quality assessment of the main foraging areas in the species’ breeding and wintering areas; An update on passerine migration trends; An update on the potential impacts of ongoing climate change; Construction of 1 000 artificial nests on at least five islet complexes hosting 19% of the national breeding population; Rat eradication on at least two islet complexes with a total surface area of at least 705 ha, improving breeding habitat quality for 6% of the species’ national breeding population; Plantation of at least 200 fruit trees over 1 ha at identified passerine stopover sites on Antikythira; Improved breeding success of the target species, including reduced egg losses and chick mortality; and A Good Practice Guide of climate mitigation measures to improve the quality of the falcon’s foraging areas.