Background Large carnivores such as wolves and bears are usually perceived as a dangerous problem by local population and farmers. This can result in threats emerging to the species. A previous LIFE project (LIFE04 NAT/IT/000144) established actions to help improve the conservation status of endangered large carnivores in Europe but threats remain to Italian wolf populations. Dedicated measures are considered necessary to build on the previous LIFE project and introduce conservation procedures that ensure the sustainable management of wolf populations in Italy. Objectives The main objective of this project is to develop and apply a co-ordinated programme of sustainable conservation measures that protect and manage wolves in the Apennines area. This will involve working with local stakeholders to help reduce negative perceptions and direct persecution of wolf populations. Actions will include introducing a standardised damage-compensation-prevention-mitigation assessment system to help reduce conflicts between livestock owners and wolves. Habitat works will also be carried out to reduce a range of natural and human risks to wolf populations. These actions will aim to limit disturbance at reproductive sites and during reproductive seasons, as well as other key phases of the wolf biological cycle.