MAIISG

Assessment Rationale:

Leptaxis drouetiana is endemic to two islands in the Azores; Faial and Pico, with an extent of occurrence of 1200km². It is a relatively common species (on Faial) which is adapted to a range of habitats and faces no major threats, therefore it is considered  as Least Concern (LC).

Geographic Range:

This species is found on Faial island (type locality) and Pico island (Martins et al. 2006), Azores (Portugal).

Population:

Morelet (1860) makes no mention of the rarity of the species, but Backhuys (1975:237) stated that “it is said to be very rare”. However, it is found frequently throughout Faial island (Cunha et al. 1994). On Pico island it was found only in two sites: Chão Verde, Cais do Pico (N 38º 29' 00"; W 028º 17' 05"; 550 m) and Cabeço do Caminho Escuro, Piedade (N 38º 25' 25"; W 028º 05' 28"; 450 m) (Martins et al. 2006)

Habitat and Ecology

On Faial island, Leptaxis drouetiana lives in native vegetation as well as in secondarily forested areas, sometimes in heavily disturbed environments, such as giant reed (Arundo donax) rows dividing fields. On Pico island, it was found in secondary forest of Pittosporum undulatum, Accacia melanoxylon and interspersed Erica scoparia azorica, with undergrowth of Hedychium gardneranum.

Major Threat(s):

Due to its wide range of habitats, no threats are foreseen.

Conservation Actions

No conservation measures are needed.