MAIISG

Assessment Rationale:

This species is restricted to the island of Fueteventura, Canary Islands, where it is found on the Jandia peninsular. It has a restricted range (area of occupancy = 8 km2) and is found in a single location, with a small population which is currently threatened as a result of impact of goats disturbing the habitat and recreational use by tourists. Future threats include hotel developments. Recommended conservation actions include the designation of a 'reserva natural' for the species, removal of goats and restricted access to the region for tourism. This species is therefore considered as Critically Endangered (CR) B2ab(iii).

Geographic Range:

This species is restricted to the island of Fueteventura, Canary Islands, where it is found on the Jandia peninsular.

Population:

This species is suffering decline in known populations.

Habitat and Ecology

This ground-dwelling species is found in montane canary island vegetation under rocks, in crevices and feeds on lichens.

Major Threat(s):

One of the major threats is the overgrazing and trampling by goats which is leading to habitat destruction. Tourism is also of concern, as the jeep and walking tours take place over this peninsular. Future threats include tourist developments including hotel construction and road linkages, but these developments have not yet commenced.

Conservation Actions

This species is listed as Endangered in the Spanish National Red List (Verdu and Galante 2009), but there is no legal protection for this species. Conservation of the habitat and control of goats are proposed actions to conserve the species. There is also a need to limit recreational use by tourists to special paths and maintain non-access areas.