Background The little bustard (Tetrax tetrax) is a vulnerable species: it is listed as a ‘priority species’ in Annex 1 of the Birds Directive and Appendix 11 of the Bern Convention. Sardinia is the home to several small populations - nuclei - of little bustard. Notably, important nuclei are to be found in six Sites of Community Interest (SCls) and another six Special Protection Areas (SPAs) of the Natura 2000 network. However, relatively recent changes have threatened these local populations, as well as other bird species of Community interest. The trend towards monoculture production, unsuitable livestock densities, farm mechanisation and hunting activities have all impacted negatively on the species. These activities have generally arisen through neglect, ignorance or carelessness on the part of farmers, hunters and other stakeholders. In Sardinia, the species needs the application of several urgent conservation measures, involving public and private bodies, NGOs, and local economic entities such as crop and livestock farmers. Objectives The main objective of this project was to implement, in the field, an urgent protection strategy to safeguard the last small populations of little bustard (Tetrax tetrax) in Sardinia. The project was to be based on a partnership between public authorities - municipalities, provinces and regional authorities - farmers, NGOs, tourism operators and other stakeholders. In particular, they would agree a process of sustainable use of the relevant land, including through specific local agreements and extensive communication activities with stakeholders. The surveillance and monitoring activities would also cover other habitats and bird species of Community interest - particularly migratory birds - thus making the protection of these an indirect objective of the project. The project would also network with other EU experts and projects to further contribute to the broader objective of ecological protection in the whole Mediterranean region. Results The project objectives were not achieved because of the early closure of the project on 19 February, 2010, as a result of many delays. However, notwithstanding the closure of the project, the census of the little bustard will be carried out in 2010 and 2011 (after the project end). This action represents a partial success for the project. Moreover, the beneficiary will produce the Action Plans on little bustard conservation and on conservation of steppic habitats (Festuco-Brometalia and Thero-Brachypodietea) favourable for the target species.