MAIISG

Assessment Rationale:

In the past this species has been listed as Extinct, as there have been no records since 1878. The only recent records (pre-1878) were in Ribeira de Sta Luzia above Funchal and the ravine of Vasco Gil on the main island of Madeira (Wollaston, 1878). Pilsbry (1922-26) gives the range as at intermediate elevations (ca 600–1,000 m) on the southern side of Madeira. This species has not been recorded living for 150 years. Surveys have been carried out in suitable habitats and at the last known localities between 1970s and 2000 but as yet no recent shells have been found. Some of the possible habitats have limited protection for the landscape (Riberio de Sta Luzia). Other potential habitats are within the National Park, where habitat disturbance is under control of the Regional Government. The region of Vasco Gil has largely been modified with conifer plantations and Eucalyptus forest replacing the native vegetation. Seddon (2008) suggested it could be listed as Critically Endangered, Possibly Extinct B1ab(iii), given the number of other species on Madeira that have been refound after over 60 years without records, however as it is already listed as Extinct, it is considered prudent to wait until it is refound.

Geographic Range:

This species is endemic to the main island of Madeira. Wollaston (1878) commented that it was at several sites including Ribeira de Sta Luzia and Vasco Gil and that it was common as a fossil at Caniçal. Since 1878, the region of Vasco Gil has largely been modified with conifer plantations and Eucalyptus forest replacing the native vegetation. Although Wollaston noted that L. lamellosa was present as a fossil, Cook et al. (1993) did not find any specimens during their survey of the Caniçal sands. Recent surveys between 1970s and 1990s have failed to find any living specimens.

Population:

There have been no recent records for this species.

Habitat and Ecology

There are very few records, but was originally found in moist places at intermediate elevations on the south side of island in the laurisilva zone and from leaf-litter at the base of large perpendicular crags.

Major Threat(s):

Some of the habitats have been modified since it was last recorded in 1878.

Conservation Actions

This species is listed on the EU Habitats and Species Directive Annex II and the Council of Europe Bern Convention Appendix 2. No conservation areas have yet been designated for Leiostyla lamellosa as it is difficult to know whether (and if so where) it survives. Some of the possible habitats have limited protection for the landscape (Riberio de Sta Luzia). Other potential habitats are within the National Park, where habitat disturbance is under control of the Regional Government. 
Conservation actions include surveys in remote and inaccessible regions to determine whether the species is till extant.