Background Coturnice di Sicilia (Alectoris graeca whitakeri)is a subspecies of rock partridge endemic to Sicily that is included in Annex I of the Birds Directive. The Sicilian metapopulation of rock partridges is fragmented into small isolated populations and remains heavily threatened by: reduction and transformation of the bird’s habitat following reforestation, insensitive grazing and fire; illegal release for hunting purposes of partridges belonging to other subspecies and species, with consequent hybridisation risks; illegal shooting; and lack of interest shown by local communities in protecting the endemic subspecies. Objectives The main objective of the LIFE Nature project is to improve the conservation status of the Sicilian endemic subspecies of rock partridges. Actions will target Nature 2000 areas identified as Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and involve risk reduction works to tackle each of the aforementioned threats. Expected results: The project expects to achieve the following results: To safeguard and increase the Coturnice di Sicilia population within the target areas (SPAs); To maintain biodiversity within the target areas; To create a captive breeding stock of Coturnice di Sicilia for release in other Sicilian areas; and To raise awareness among local communities about the importance of biodiversity concepts, with particular reference to the project results.