Azores Cone-head (English)

Assessor/s:
Hochkirch, A. & Borges, P.A.V.

Reviewer/s:
Chobanov, D.P. & Cálix, M.

Contributor/s:
Kranz, M.

Facilitators / Compilers/s:
García, M.

Assessment Rationale:

The Azores Cone-head (Conocephalus chavesi) is endemic to the Azores archipelago in Portugal. This species is assessed as Endangered since it as a restricted geographic range (area of occupancy (AOO) between 40 and 80 km²) the population is severely fragmented, and there is an inferred continuing decline in the AOO, number of subpopulations, extent and quality of the habitat as well as in the number of mature individuals. The major threat to this species is urbanisation which destroys its habitat. Protection and restoration of its remaining habitats is needed. In addition, further research is recommended on its population trend, ecology and threats.

Geographic Range:

The Azores Cone-head is endemic to the Azores archipelago in Portugal. It has been recorded from the islands of Pico, Terceira and São Miguel, where it has been found in coastal areas (Borges et al. 2010). There is an unconfirmed record of a nymph from Flores that may belong to this species (P. Borges pers. comm. 2016). Its extent of occurrence (EOO) is ca 14,650 km², but could be ca 26,000 km², if the record from Flores is correct. Its known area of occupancy (AOO) is 40 km² (including historical records) with an upper estimate of 80 km².

Regions:
Portugal - Azores

Extent of Occurrence (EOO):
26000 (km²)

Area of Occupancy (AOO):
80 (km²)

Elevation Lower Limit:
0 (m)

Elevation Upper Limit:
100 (m)

Biogeographic Realms:
Palearctic

Presence:
Extant

Origin:
Endemic Azores

Seasonality:
Resident

Population:

This species has declined dramatically as a consequence of the transformation of its habitat into urban areas and the current population trend is still decreasing. The population is severely fragmented as the remaining subpopulations are very small and isolated, and may go extinct with reduced probability of recolonisation

Habitat and Ecology

This species was found in coastal grassland habitats (P. Borges pers. comm. 2016).

Major Threat(s):

The major threat to this species is urbanisation which destroys its habitat.

Conservation Actions

There are no specific conservation measures in place for this species and it is unknown, whether it occurs in a protected area (on Flores). Protection and restoration of its remaining habitats is needed. In addition, further research is needed on its population trend, ecology and threats

Species

Conocephalus chavesi (Bolívar, 1905)