Background The little bustard (Tetrax tetrax), is a flagship species associated with semi-natural steppe habitats and traditional, low-input agricultural systems. With its overall distribution in rapid decline, the species is considered as globally threatened by BirdLife International (2004) and is also listed in the EU Birds Directive. The promontory of Gargano, the project SPA site, is home to the last remaining breeding site for the species on the Italian peninsula. With an estimated population of just 10-50 individuals, it is therefore an important site for conservation actions targeting the species. Objectives The project’s overall objective is the preservation of a vital population of little bustards. Specific objectives are: To conserve former pastureland, a habitat favoured by the birds, which had been converted to agricultural land; To prevent the dramatic decline of the little bustard population at the site; To reduce the presence of predators (rats, stray dogs and cats) in the target areas; To reduce the impact on the birds from human activities, notably from the loss of low-input extensive farming; and To increase knowledge of the species at a regional level. Expected results: The project expects to achieve the following: An increase of the little bustard population in the area by up to 100 individuals; and The restoration of some 280 ha of the priority habitat 'Pseudosteppe with grasses and annuals of the Thero-Brachypodietea'.