Background The broad river valley which characterises the central area of the Ticino Regional Park in Piemonte has two proposed Sites of Community Interest (pSCIs) which host the main Italian population of Pelobates fuscus insubricus, an amphibian that has been recognised as a priority species within the meaning of the Habitats Directive, and whose distribution is confined to the Po basin. The estimated number of specimens in the park probably amounts to more than 50% of the entire species. The confirmed breeding grounds are mainly located in rice fields, irrigation channels and wastewater discharge pools. With the drastic reduction in rice cultivation in the last decade, the quantity of irrigation water conveyed through the network of channels has also fallen. The breeding grounds of the spadefoot toad, covering an area of about 140 ha, and 50 to 1000 larvae per hectare in 1990, had by 2000 been reduced to 25 ha, with a steep fall in the number of larvae found. Unfortunately, the population of spadefoot toads in this area is threatened not only by the disappearance of the rice paddies but also by other factors, such as the high number of predators, incompatible agricultural practices and traffic on roads close to the breeding grounds. In 1999, in just three evenings, 18 specimens of spadefoot toads were found killed by motor vehicles. Objectives With this initiative, the Ticino Park intended to pursue a programme already begun under a previous LIFE project, managed by WWF Italia. The project aimed at involving the owners of areas where the presence of the species had been verified, and particularly where breeding sites were present. The purchasing of important areas and the lease of strategic sites would constitute key actions for the subsequent restoration and renaturalisation of the wetlands suitable for the species. In agreement with local authorities, road blocks would be set up and warning signals installed at strategic points on roads bordering the area. The project would also include the monitoring of spadefoot toad populations, environmental education programmes and awareness-raising activities. Results The project achieved its main objectives, although some initial problems caused a slow down in the implementation of the non recurring actions. Involvement of local farmers, land purchase, restoration and renaturalization of wetlands suitable for 'Pelobates fuscus insubricus', amphibian monitoring and awareness raising actions have been successfully carried out. Thanks to the project, the number of available reproductive sites for 'Pelobates fuscus insubricus' has been increased within the Ticino Park in Piedmont, one of the key areas for this species in Northern Italy. The LIFE project had a significant pump priming effect in policy terms. The Ticino Park, whose boundaries coincide with the pSCI, is integrating with specific measures benefitting 'Pelobates fuscus insubricus' both its current management plan, the park plan, and the new one, whose preparation is ongoing. Preliminary genetic analysis of DNA confirmed that the priority subspecies 'insubricus' is distinct from other European populations. The main actions carried out were: - Permeability study of sites to be recovered, - Water quality analysis, - Sanitary monitoring of *Pelobates fuscus insubricus individuals, - 2 seminars for wardens and farmers, - Purchase of 2,4 ha and acquisition of land use rights of 2,8 ha, - Restoration works on purchased land hosting reproduction of Pelobates, - Identification of 5 new water bodies as potential reproductive sites for Pelobates, - Placement of 2 tunnels and of warning signals to prevent road killings, - Captive breeding of a hundred Pelobates tadpoles, - Recovery of a naturalistic path, - Awareness raising activities with school, - Realization of 10.000 leaflets, 4 posters, 4 showcases and 60 signposts, - Monitoring of available reproductive sites for Pelobates. Awareness by the landowners surrounding important sites for the species has been significantly increased. The project had rather limited effect in terms of new occupation: only one person was employed for the project duration as scientific co-ordinator. A number of local consultants have been however involved in the project.