Assessment Rationale:

Cixius azopifajo is an endemic treet lacehopper that occurs in Pico, Faial and S. Jorge (Borges et al. 2010), being known from all seven Natural Forest Reserves of these islands. It has a large extent of occurrence (EOO = ca 1,300 km²) and a relatively small area of occupancy (AOO = 236 km²). The species is abundant and  known from at least ten fragmented subpopulations. In the past, the species has probably strongly declined due to changes in habitat size and quality. The main threat to this species will be the habitat decline as a consequence of invasive species and climate change (Ferreira et al. 2016). Based upon the small area of occupancy and decreasing habitat quality it is assessed as Vulnerable.

Geographic Range:

Cixius azopifajo is an endemic tree lacehopper that occurs in Pico, Faial and S. Jorge (Borges et al. 2010), being known from all seven Natural Forest Reserves of these islands: Caldeira do Faial and Cabe?o do Fogo (Faial); Mistério da Prainha, Caveiro and Caiado (Pico); Pico Pinheiro and Topo (S. Jorge). The extent of occurrence (EOO) is ca 1,300 km² and the maximum estimated area of occupancy (AOO) is 236 km².

Population:

Cixius azopifajo is a widespread and highly abundant species at least in two of the islands. The species presents a stable population and exists in three islands. We assume no impact for the population.

Habitat and Ecology

This species occurs mainly in the Azorean native forest. It is a generalist diurnal canopy phytophagous species that has been found on different native plants, but also in some exotic plants. Based on seasonal data from SLAM traps obtained in several islands between 2012 and 2016, the adults are active all year, being most abundant in spring and summer (Borges et al. 2017).

Major Threat(s):

In the past, the species has probably strongly declined due to changes in habitat size and quality (Triantis et al. 2010, Terzopoulou et al. 2015). However, the species seems to have survived in some remaining native forests of Azores, as well as in some Human modified habitats. The main current threat is the spread of invasive species namely Hedychium gardnerianum and Pittosporum undulatum. Based on Ferreira et al. (2016) the habitat will further decline as a consequence of climate change (increasing number of droughts and habitat shifting & alteration).

Conservation Actions

The species is not protected by regional law. Its habitat is in regionally protected areas (Natural Parks of Faial, Pico and S. Jorge). Further research is needed to monitor the species and conservation measures to control the invasive Hedychium gardnerianum should be implemented to improve habitat quality for this species. Degraded habitats should be restored and a strategy needs to be developed to address the future threat by climate change.  It is necessary a monitoring plan for the invertebrate community in the habitat in order to contribute to the conservation of this species. A habitat management plan is needed and anticipated to be developed during the coming years. Monitoring every ten years using the BALA protocol will inform about habitat quality (see e.g. Gaspar et al. 2010).