Background The Carpathian Mountains are home to the second-largest population of wolf (Canis lupus) in the European Union. Wolves in this area, however, are threatened by a range of factors, including habitat fragmentation, poaching and conflict with hunters, weak institutional management, and negative public attitudes. Objectives The overall objective of the WOLFLIFE project is to maintain a viable wolf population in the Carpathian Mountains. The project’s area covers the central and southern parts of the Eastern Carpathians, including 18 Natura 2000 network sites in which the wolf is protected. Data obtained during the project will form the basis for developing an effective action plan to maintain a viable wolf population, in line with EU policy regarding the conservation and sustainable management of large carnivores. In order to achieve this, the project aims to: Improve the management of the wolf by drafting a participatory national action plan; Promote better coexistence between the wolf and local stakeholeder groups, especially farmers and hunters; Prevent the decline of the wolf population by limiting poaching and improving habitat connectivity; Transfer the expertise gained through the project at regional and national levels, in order to ensure the development of adequate training for the conservation of the wolf; Reduce the damages caused by wolf; and Change the hostile public and stakeholder perception of the wolf through public awareness campaigns. Expected results: A National Action Plan for wolf management adopted by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change; A standardised methodology for the assessment and monitoring of the Carpathian wolf population, which is accepted by all stakeholders at national level; Best practices for the increase of prey species’ populations adopted by 50% of the game units’ managers and administrators of Natura 2000 sites; Damages caused by wolves on livestock farms reduced by 80% in project pilot farms, by 30-40% in farms with traditional shepherd dogs and by 25% in the entire project area; Awareness raising campaigns reach about 10 000 people, increasing hunters and animals breeders tolerance towards the wolf and improving the acceptance of this species among the general public; At least 80% of complaints relative to damages caused by wolves are treated in a timely and professional manner, thanks to better trained inspectors and the availability of specialised equipment; Large numbers of feral dogs sterilised and vaccinated, leading to a reduction in the risk of wolves’ diseases spreading in the project area; A GIS digital model developed, allowing localisation of the favourable and key areas for pup breeding, with at least 20 birth and rearing zones protected; and Identification of all habitats at risk of fragmentation, with recommendations and concrete measures established to ensure connectivity.