MAIISG

Assessment Rationale:

The species has a small range (one single location in an area of occupancy of 8 km2). Over the last 30 years, its small population has become fragmented by urban expansion and road construction. The habitat requires conservation in order to protect the species, as well as restoration of habitats to reduce fragmentation of the populations. This species is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) B2ab(iii).

Geographic Range:

This species is endemic to Tenerife, where it is very localised between the three villages of Caletillas, Candelaria and Igueste de Candelaria [UTM 28RCS63-64].

Population:

The population is decreasing.

Habitat and Ecology

This species occurs in the typical dry lowland vegetation (Piso basal) within a Barranco., under stones and in rock crevices or in the shelter inside of the sparsely growing shrubs.

Major Threat(s):

In the last 25-30 years, the habitat has been nearly completely destroyed by urban developments from the 3 adjacent villages and transportation links between them. The main stress remains the fragmentation of the remaining populations by these developments.

Conservation Actions

The habitat requires conservation in order to protect the species, as well as restoration of habitats to reduce fragementation of the populations. This species is listed as Critically Endangered on the Spanish Red List by Verdu and Galante (2009) and is on the register of Endangered Species for Canary Islands, but not on the catalogue of Endangered Species in Spain. Actions recommended include the provision of a protected area between the three villages of Caletillas, Candelaria and Igueste de Candelaria.