Background The Upper Palatinate, in the east of Bavaria, hosts Germany’s sole known population of the greater horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum). This very rare bat species is threatened with extinction throughout Central Europe, with populations continuing to decline. This contrasts with the situation for other bat species, where population decline seems to have been halted. Other populations of so called ‘maternity roosts’ (i.e., where the females produce young communally) of the greater horseshoe bat are known to exist in Belgium (3), Luxemburg (1), France (a few), Liechtenstein (1), Switzerland (3) and Austria (2). The number of individuals in Upper Palatinate is increasing – with some 100-150 bats in total and 69 adult females in the maternity roost in 2011. However, this is still a long way from the desired number of 500 individuals, which is considered the minimum for a stable population. The sole maternity roost in Bavaria is located in an old house in the municipality of Hohenburg. The house has been renovated in a bat-friendly way over the last years, but the surrounding area also needs to be improved. Objectives The project’s main objectives include: To strengthen the current population of the greater horseshoe bat; To improve the foraging habitats of the targeted species – including enhancing the structures and corridors between the habitats and improving the accessibility of these areas; To monitoring the efficiency of the measures – including controlling bat roosts and food sources; To carry out genetic tests in order to determine the level of inbreeding i.e., to assess the degree of relationship, vitality checks, and comparisons with other populations in Luxemburg and in the Alps in order to evaluate the exchange between the populations; The purchase and leasing of land in order to create grazing complexes. Specific measures in the field will include: Starting a grazing scheme for cattle in the valley and along the slopes (1 stable, 3 shelters and the purchase of approximately 30 cattle); Establishing grazing infrastructure (e.g., fencing, a drinking trough, cattle trailer for transport) on c. 50-60 ha of grazing land; Removing bushes and saplings in formerly grazed areas, and also improving grazing by sheep; Clearing scrub and thinning in dense forests; Planting fruit trees; Creating flight corridors to link foraging habitats; Installing two bat towers that will serve as bat roosts and also provide information for visitors. A number of public relations activities will also be carried out to improve public knowledge and perception about the project and the species. These will include: establishing an information centre; organising excursions for representatives of the press, public events, guided tours and a workshop. Expected results: A colony of some 100 greater horseshoe bats in the maternity roost; 6-7 grazing complexes of 8-10 ha each stocked with the local cattle breed, “Rotes Höhenvieh”. The grazing grounds will be distributed along the entire Lauterach valley, so that new foraging habitats can develop in the species’ presumed range; A network of 14.7 ha of dense forest; A further 22.2 ha of land cleared and used for grazing by sheep.