Background The project focuses on a relatively recently recorded threat to wolf conservation, namely interbreeding with domestic dogs. Wolves and dogs are biologically the same species but, while wolves are biologically natural, dogs are a product of artificial selection managed by humans. Over the past twenty years, sightings of wolves in Tuscany with morphological characteristics different from those of typical Italian wolves have increased. Moreover, genetic analysis has confirmed that some specimens of wild canines (in Tuscany and elsewhere) are not only first-generation hybrids (a cross between a wolf and a dog) but also hybrids subsequently integrated into the wolf population. The project will have high demonstration value because it will be the first project in Europe to manage wolf-dog hybrids (without simply killing dogs). Although hybridisation between wolves and dogs has been recorded for centuries, the wide-spread presence of dogs and the lack of control of hybrids, together with a reduction of wolf populations, make this a serious threat to the conservation of the genetic identity of the wolf. Objectives The project aims to: Identify and remove all the hybrids from two pilot areas in Tuscany; Decrease the presence of free-ranging dogs through their removal and the sterilisation of all captured individuals; Increase awareness among the general public of the threat posed by hybrids to wolves and to wildlife in general; Establish a network of interest groups that could contribute to the development of best solutions for tackling the problem of hybridisation in the longer term; Develop and maintain a database for recording hybrid activity; Draw up guidelines for the management of wolf-dog hybrids, following wider consultation with interest groups; Develop areas where hybrids can be kept in captivity for public awareness purposes; Establish a network of public administrations from areas where the hybrids have been recorded in order to stimulate the replication of successful experiences and the improvement of experimental activities implemented through the project. Expected results: The results expected include: The development of a methodology for the identification of hybrids; The complete removal of all wolf-dog hybrids (an estimated 15 individuals) from two pilot areas in Tuscany; Sterilisation of at least 70% of free ranging dogs in the Province of Grosseto; A shared long-term strategy for management of hybrids in the Province of Grosseto; Strong collaboration with nearby provinces where hybrids have been recorded; A significant increase in awareness about the impact of hybrids on wildlife and the local economy; A reduction of at least 50% in the number of free-ranging dogs as a result of an awareness campaign targeting local communities.