MAIISG

Assessment Rationale:

The Red Sand Grasshopper is common in the coastal zone of Gran Canaria and does not seem to be sensitive to habitat changes. It occurs in any open habitat with large proportions of bare ground. As the population is quite large and not fragmented, it is assessed as Least Concern (LC).

Geographic Range:

The Red Sand Grasshopper is endemic to Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, Spain), where it is found in the coastal zone (Bland et al. 1996, Hochkirch and Husemann 2008).

Population:

The species is quite widespread and common on the coastal zone of Gran Canaria, and the population does not seem to be fragmented. It is likely to have declined in the past as a consequence of urban, industrial and touristic development in the eastern half of the island. However, it is also able to live in anthropogenic habitats. The overall current population trend is unknown.

Habitat and Ecology

This species occurs in open habitats with scarce vegetation, including anthropogenic habitats, such as unpaved parking lots and trails. It tolerates a higher vegetation cover than S. guanchus, which is also endemic to Gran Canaria, but usually still below 20% (D. Margaritis pers. comm. 2015). Its altitudinal range is 0 - 1,000 m.

Major Threat(s):

The species might be locally threatened by the ongoing touristic development in the coastal areas of Gran Canaria. However, it is also found in anthropogenic habitats and does not seem to be very sensitive to anthropogenic habitat alteration. It may also be affected by landslides.

Conservation Actions

There are no specific conservation actions in place for this species, although it occurs in some protected areas throughout its range. More research on its population trend is needed.