Assessment Rationale:

Eupithecia ogilviata is a single island endemic species from Faial (Azores, Portugal) (Warren 1905, Borges et al. 2010). It is known just from one single male captured in Central Faial, 750 m asl, in May 1903 (Warren 1905).  It has been sampled in a laurel forest, that was later destroyed. We assume that this species is probably extinct in Azores. It has a very small extent of occurrence (EOO = 0-4 km²) and area of occupancy (AOO = 0-4 km²). Therefore, it is assessed as Critically Endangered (Possibly Extinct).

Geographic Range:

Eupithecia ogilviata is a single island endemic species from Faial (Azores, Portugal) (Warren 1905, Borges et al. 2010). It is known just from one single male captured in Central Faial, 750 m asl, in May 1903 (Warren 1905). We assume that this species is probably extinct in Azores.

Population:

The species is only known from a single subpopulation inhabiting in Central Faial, which belong to laurel forest. A continuing decline in the number of individuals is inferred from historical record. We assume that this species is probably extinct.

Habitat and Ecology

Eupithecia ogilviata is only known from Central part of Faial island (Warren 1905). It has been sampled in a laurel forest, that was later destroyed and therefore this species is considered probably extinct. This is a phytophagous species. Altitudinal range: 700-750 m.

Major Threat(s):

In the past, the species has probably strongly declined due to changes in habitat size. The major land-use changes in the island in the last 100 years resulted in the deforestation of the original patch of native forest between 700 and 750 m. If the species is still surviving in any small patch of modified forest, the current and future threats are the invasive plant Hedychium gardnerianum and climatic changes (Ferreira et al. 2016). These changes are decreasing the relative cover of endemic plants and changing the soil cover (decreasing the cover of bryophytes and ferns).

Conservation Actions

The species is not protected by regional law. Its habitat is in a regionally protected area (Natural Park of Faial). Further research is needed into its ecology and life history in order to find extant specimens.  Degraded habitats should be restored and a strategy needs to be developed to address the future threat by invasive species and 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. Monitoring every ten years using the BALA protocol will inform about habitat quality (see e.g. Gaspar et al. 2010).