Background In June 1999, following intensive searching, Spanish biologists discovered several examples of the giant lizard of La Gomera or Gallotia simonyii gomerana. Giant lizards first arrived in the Canaries from Africa about 15 million years ago. This particular species was thought to have died out 500 years ago. The lizards, measuring up to half a metre, were discovered on crags close to Valle Gran Rey, on La Gomera, one of the Canary Islands off the Moroccan coast. The small population size of around 50 known individuals and the threat posed by the large number of feral cats, the wild offspring of domestic cats, make this lizard one of the most endangered in Europe. Moreover, despite the extreme conditions of its last known stronghold, the habitat is worryingly close to tourist centres and the island’s agricultural fields. Any accident could this time lead to the definitive disappearance of the giant lizard of La Gomera, a unique creature of incalculable value to Europe's natural heritage. Objectives The project sought to introduce a plan for the recovery of the species. The aim was to increase the population size to a point where its conservation would be assured. The project also aimed to guarantee the viability of the species in its natural environment, by eliminating major threats to its survival. Actions planned included a programme for the species' recovery and a plan to manage the sight of community importance (SCI) where it is found. A captive breeding programme was also introduced and monitoring activities were carried out to study the factors threatening its survival such as rats and cats, introduced to the islands, and grazing activities. A plan to monitor the species, accompanied by an extensive awareness-raising campaign were the final elements of the project activities. Results The objectives of the project were met. The successful breeding of 53 captive lizards permits some optimism as to the future increasing species population from 20 to around 100 individuals at the end of the project. Raising public and stakeholder awareness, also that of famers and pet owners, was a further important success. Genetic and veterinary knowledge on the species has also markedly increased when compared with the beginning of the project. This knowledge could be used in other reptile’s captive breeding projects in the future like El Hierro, Tenerife, Cap Vert Islands, Balearic Islands, etc. Additional knowledge as to invasive predators in the islands was also acquired due to close interaction with another LIFE project on 'Invasive Vertebrates Control in Spanish and Portuguese Islands' (LIFE02 NAT CP/E 000014). Release and reintroduction of lizards are next steps for the beneficiary. The beneficiary also noted the approval, several months after project termination, of the Recovery Plan for the Giant Lizard of La Gomera and the Land Use and Management Plan of the Valle Gran Rey Nature Reserve. It is also important to continue with the cats removal program. Thus, expected project results achieved include: 1. Regulatory framework: Recovery Plan approved and Land-use and Management Plan also approved. 2. Increased knowledge as to the species and its distribution. 3. Recovery centre: established and modern installations completed. 4. Captive breeding programme: well implemented and initially expected breeding figures surpassed. 5. Control of harmful animals, such as feral cats: implemented with traps for cats and removal of feral cats. 6. Genetic studies on the species: satisfactorily implemented. 7. Awareness-raising campaign undertaken.