Assessment Rationale:

The species is considered as Critically Endangered (CR) B2ab(iii), as it is known from one locations on the Jandia peninsula where the goats are reducing the quality of the habitat. This medium-sized species is less impacted than the Hemicycla paeteliana, which also lives on the Jandia peninsula. There is currently no legal protection for the taxon and actions recommended include control of the goats and the provision of a protected area for Jandia peninsula.

Geographic Range:

This species is endemic to the Canary islands where it is restricted to the Jandia peninsula in Fuerteventura. The area of occupancy is 4 km2 and it is thought to be a relict distribution (Groh, pers. comm., 2010), based on the subfossil distribution.

Population:

This species is medium-sized and thus these are moderately susceptible to disturbance by trampling by goats. The population is thought to be stable to slightly decreasing.

Habitat and Ecology

This ground-dwelling species which occurs on rocky slopes with typical montane vegetation with the species living on stones, in crevices and on crags/walls.  The species lived on lichens.

Major Threat(s):

The species is threatened by overgrazing and goats trampling. Future threats from hotel developments and road linkages if the peninsula is developed.

Conservation Actions

The habitat of this species and the Jandia peninsula should be protected. Tourist development, as well as the trampling by wild goats should be restricted. More research is needed on the population and distribution of the species, and habitat trends should be monitored.