MAIISG

Assessment Rationale:

Seddon (2008) suggested that the species should be assessed as Vulnerable D2 (version 3.1). This species occurs at four sites with a known area of occupancy of under 16 km². Until recently there was no evidence of declining quality of habitat over the last 15 years, and the laurisilva forest and the summit areas in the centre of the island are protected. However, there was a severe fire in the region where this species is located in August 2010, and hence it is still considered Vulnerable D2, given these recent threats.

Geographic Range:

This species is found in central highlands of Madeira, where it is found at four closely localised sites (Seddon 2008).

Population:

The species is rare. It is usually found in specialist surveys targeted at the species. Since the fire in August 2010, the status is uncertain (C. Abreu, pers. comm., 2010).

Habitat and Ecology

This species is found on rock ledges and on crags in the summit regions of Pico Arriero and Pico Ruivo.

Major Threat(s):

Until recently, there was no evidence of declining quality of habitat over the previous 15 years, and the summit areas in the centre of the island are protected. However, there was  a severe fire in the region where this species is located in August 2010, and surveys are needed to establish the impact on this species which lives on rock ledges and on crags, however, it is suspected that the species may have been impacted. Storm have also damaged the habitat of this species.

Conservation Actions

Although the species range lies in a protected area, it does not prevent storm damage. Surveys are needed to establish the impact of the recent fires and storms on this species which lives on rock ledges and on crags.