Assessment Rationale:

This species is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) B2ab(iii), as it has a restricted range (one location and an area of occupancy of 8 km2), with a small population which is currently threatened as a result of military activities, as it lies within a military training area, with future threats from urban expansion if the military training area designation is removed. Recommended conservation actions include the designation of a 'reserva natural' for the species. 

The criteria for the assessment now reflect the small range and the criteria used in 1996 were incorrect.

Geographic Range:

This species is endemic to the Canary Islands, where it is only found on Gran Canaria, on the peninsula of La Isleta at 4 sites: El Confital, Mont el Faro, Montana del Vigio and Malpais [UTM 28RD5510].

Population:

Population trend information is not available. There are few live specimens known (Groh, pers. comm., 2010)

Habitat and Ecology

This is a ground-dwelling species found in typical lowland canary island vegetation often under stones or within stone walls.

Major Threat(s):

The major threat comes from habitat destruction as the result of military activities within the military range. In the future there are proposals to remove the military range and use the site for urban expansion.

Conservation Actions

The habitat requires conservation in order to protect the species. Further data would be required for long-term monitoring of the habitat trends. This species is listed as Critically Endangered on the Spanish Red List by Verdu and Galante (2009) and is on the register of Endangered Species for Canary Islands. Actions recommended include the provision of a protected area from Monte del Faro to Montana Colorada.