Background The Hermann’s tortoise (Testudo hermanni) benefits from an extremely positive image and is hugely popular as a pet. Yet the tortoise is not safe from human threats in its natural habitat. Wild populations of the tortoise are constantly decreasing and the reduction of favourable habitats has triggered its classification as an endangered species. This is true for the totality of its geographical distribution area and especially in the Var, southern France. Managers of natural areas lack both an understanding of the species and validated management practices for its conservation. A national restoration plan for the species validated by the CNPN (National Council of Nature Protection) has brought to light the particular lack of understanding of its preferred micro-habitats, precise diet and activity cycles. In the Var, there are several recurring threats to the species and its habitats, including destruction and fragmentation of its habitats by urbanisation, degradation of its habitats which are becoming overgrown with brush and forests or else are converted to intensive agriculture, destruction of populations by fire, mortality from farm and shrub/forest clearing machinery, capture of wild animals, predation by dogs, and a general lack of consideration (eg in land-use planning) for the needs of this endangered species. Objectives The project aims to maintain, and where possible increase, the current fragmented populations of the Hermann’s tortoise in Var through improved management and protection practices. It hopes to increase the long-term viability of these populations, particularly those under most threat. The project team will conceive, develop and experiment with management tools for the protection of the species. These tools will be chosen for their capacity to take into account all the identified threats to the species in an integrated manner. Expected results include opening over 500 ha of habitats, validating a method to restore the herbaceous layer, optimising interfaces between closed and open areas (25 areas fenced, 600 m of hedges created), creating 10 water spots, as well as developing conventions with landowners, shepherds and other stakeholders. As well as supporting the specific population groups of Hermann’s tortoise covered by the project sites, the integrated management actions tested will be also serve a demonstration purpose of particular usefulness to managers in charge of other sites where Hermann’s tortoise is found - notably in Var, Corsica and sites in Spain and Italy. They will also be useful for sites with similar threats and problems faced by its cousin sub-species, including: Testudo hermanni boettgeri in the Balkans and Greece; Testudo graeca in the Middle East and North Africa; and Testudo horsfieldii in Turkey, Russia, the Caucasus and Central Asia. The project will disseminate the new knowledge and know-how it develops towards these target groups, amongst others by means of a specific technical guide. It will also work to change perceptions of and attitudes towards the species amongst administrations, elected representatives and decision-makers as well the general public. This will promote the integration of tortoise conservation considerations in land-use decisions and change behaviour which threatens the wild populations and habitats. Expected results include a decrease in the collection of wild tortoises, a decrease in predation by dogs, and a decrease in the uncontrolled releases of captive animals.