Assessment Rationale:

Cryptorchestia chevreuxi is an Azorean-endemic species present on the islands of Corvo, Flores, Faial, Pico, Graciosa, Terceira, S. Miguel and Santa Maria (Azores, Portugal). This species is abundant in Azorean soil. It has relatively large Extent of Occurrence (EOO = ca. 38,180 km²), but a limited Area of Occupancy (minimum AOO = 176 km²), although the latter is likely underestimated. It occurs in at least five Natural Forest Reserves. Nevertheless, habitat quality for this species is decreasing in some areas due to land use changes, the impact of human activities and the spread of invasive species (Pittosporum undulatum, Hedychium gardnerianum and Clethra arborea) which are changing the habitat structure. Based on Ferreira et al. (2016) the habitat will also decline as a consequence of climate change. Further research and monitoring is needed into its population, ecology and life history, but based on available information, the species is assessed as Vulnerable (VU).

Geographic Range:

Cryptorchestia chevreuxi is an Azorean-endemic species, present on the islands of Corvo, Flores, Faial, Pico, Graciosa, Terceira, S. Miguel and Santa Maria (Azores, Portugal) (Borges et al. 2010). It occurs in the humid soil of the islands. Within these islands it is known from at least five Natural Forest Reserves: Caldeiras Funda e Rasa and Morro Alto e Pico da Sé (Flores); Caldeira do Faial and Cabeço do Fogo (Faial); and Pico Alto (Sta. Maria). It is also present in at least three lava tubes: Furna Ruim (Faial), Furna d Frei Matias (Pico) and Gruta das Agulhas (Terceira). The Extent of Occurrence (EOO) is ca. 38,180 km² and the minimum Area of Occupancy (AOO) is ca. 176 km².

Population:

No current population size estimates exist for this species, but it is very common in the humid soil and litter of the Azores, being an important element of the soil fauna and present on almost all Azorean islands, in diverse habitats.

Habitat and Ecology

There is a lack of information regarding this species' ecology and life history, but Cryptorchestia chevreuxi is a truly terrestrial amphipod, being found far from the littoral and supra-littoral habitats. This species is very common in the humid soil and litter of the Azores, being an important element of the soil fauna. It was also reported from under stones and mosses, from sandy grassy ground and rocky springs and crags.

Major Threat(s):

This species is present in diverse habitats. Nevertheless, degradation of habitat quality due to land use changes, the impact of agricultural activities, cattle raising, pesticides, nutrient loads and urban run-off and pollution can have deleterious effects on this species. Additionally, some areas are also being affected by invasive plants like Pittosporum undulatum, Hedychium gardnerianum and Clethra arborea, which are changing the habitat and soil structure, and can potentially affect this species. Based on Ferreira et al. (2016) the habitat will further decline as a consequence of climate change (increasing number of droughts and habitat shifting and alteration).

Conservation Actions

The species is not protected by regional law, but part of its habitat is in regionally protected areas (Natural Parks of Corvo, Faial, Flores, Graciosa, Pico, Terceira, S. Miguel and Sta. Maria). Degraded habitats outside of protected areas should be restored and a strategy needs to be developed to address the future threat from climate change. Invasive plant species control would also benefit this species. Further research is needed into its ecology and life history and to obtain information on population size, distribution and trends. It is also necessary to develop a monitoring plan for the invertebrate community in order to aid in the production of a potential species recovery plan. Monitoring