Background The Mehely’s subspecies of root vole, Microtus oeconomus mehelyi, is restricted to the western (especially north-western) Hungary, eastern Austria and south-western Slovakia, occupying habitats formed by sediments of freshwater marshes, swamps, floodplains or watersides with dense vegetation. The current status of Hungarian Mehely’s root vole populations is poorly understood. In some areas it is a dominant species in small mammal communities, while in other areas it occurs in low number and only sporadically. Although the subspecies has been protected both in Slovakia, Austria and Hungary, habitat loss and fragmentation still remain a major threat. The main factors are large-scale land reclamation and drainage schemes, the ploughing of lowland meadows, the draining of wetlands and the overall intensification of production patterns in agriculture and forestry. Microtus oeconomus is listed in Appendix III of the Bern Convention and in the IUCN Red List in the category “Least Concern” (2002) and Mehely’s subspecies root vole is listed in the annex of the EU habitats directive as priority species. Objectives The general objective of the project is to improve the recently unfavourable conservation status of the Mehely’s root vole, Microtus oeconomus mehelyi. The project will develop a strategic basis for the successful recovery of this endangered species by restoring and improving habitats on selected sites. Other specific objectives of the project include: Restoration of ‘bio-corridors’ connecting important wetland areas; Land lease or purchase and introduction of appropriate habitat management; Restoration of wet meadows as root vole habitats and buffer zones between wetlands and arable land; Acquisition of relevant scientific data on the target species and its habitats; Raising awareness among key stakeholders and the general public.