MAIISG

Assessment Rationale:

Although this species has a restricted range, the number of sites (>29) suggests that, at present, this species does not meet the other criteria of declining range. Given that many of the sites are on the small hills, the major threats come from fires and other changes in landscape management (timber extraction, ploughing, grazing, footpath construction). The species may be impacted in the future, hence it should be reviewed periodically to assess changes in the status.

Geographic Range:

This small gastropod is endemic to Madeiran archipelago, where it is restricted to higher areas of the island of Porto Santo. It is found on the summits of all of the small hills, being present at over 26 sites (Seddon 2008).

Population:

When the sampling conditions are good (humid), then the species is frequent in suitable habitats, but can be well hidden when conditions are dry.

Habitat and Ecology

This is one of the smaller species of semislug. It is found undersides of stones and on walls, on rocky slopes and crags amongst grasses and herbs.

Major Threat(s):

Many of the sites are on small hills, and so the major threats come from fires and other changes in landscape management (timber extraction, ploughing, grazing, footpath construction). The species may  be impacted in the future, hence it should be reviewed periodically to assess changes in the status.

Conservation Actions

At present the species is not declining and as such, no conservation actions are necessary, other than general protection of the habitats and habitat monitoring for indication of population trends. It is present in one Site of Conservation Interest (SCI) on Pico Branco.