MAIISG

Assessment Rationale:

Ameles limbata is an endemic mantid of the Canary Islands. It is present on two islands and only found in shrubland and uncultivated open areas. At present most of its ecology is unknown and the species taxonomy needs to be better defined (Becerra & Oromi, 1999; Becerra et al. 2001, Wieland et al. 2014). The species has an extent of occurrence (EOO) of ca. 6,600 km², an area of occupancy (AOO) of  472-1,900 km² and a severely fragmented population. It is generally rare and a continuing decline in the number of subpopulations, number of mature individuals and in the extent and quality of habitat is inferred for unprotected areas. Therefore the species is assessed as Vulnerable (VU), but it is close to the Endangered category and further research needs to be done in the near future.

Geographic Range:

Ameles limbata is an endemic species of the Canary Islands, being present on the island of Tenerife and La Palma (Becerra et al. 2001). The measured area of occupancy (AOO) is 448 km² with an upper estimate of 1,900 km². The extent of occurrence (EOO) is ca. 6,600 km².

Population:

The population trend is unknown, however this species is rare and it is inferred that there is a continuing decline in the number of mature individuals and number of subpopulations in some localities. Distribution records are based on Garcia Becerra et al. (2001) and unpublished records from the assessors. Recent observations from the assessors suggest that there may be a subpopulation decline on La Palma, but more data need to be collected.

Habitat and Ecology

Ameles limbata lives from coastal areas to the mountains in almost any type of vegetation but usually prefers clearings or open spaces to dense forest. It has not been found on the summit of the Teide mountain on Tenerife but has been recorded at 2,100 m asl on the island of La Palma, at the top of a ravine. It is often found on the plant Bencomia exstipulata Svent (Becerra et al. 2001).

Major Threat(s):

Threats for this species are not known in detail. However, considering the small distribution of the species, habitat destruction may be a serious threat. Local changes in the land use and a marked increase of overbuilding are contributing to the destruction of the natural habitats of this species even if their real impact needs to be studied in detail. The use of pesticides may also be a threat that has a direct influence on this species or indirect, degrading its ecosystem. There is a need for more research on the threats.

Conservation Actions

Threats for this species are not known in detail. However, considering the small distribution of the species, habitat destruction may be a serious threat. Local changes in the land use and a marked increase of overbuilding are contributing to the destruction of the natural habitats of this species even if their real impact needs to be studied in detail. The use of pesticides may also be a threat that has a direct influence on this species or indirect, degrading its ecosystem. There is a need for more research on the threats.