Assessor/s:
Seddon, M.B.
Reviewer/s:
Cameron, R., Groh, K., Cuttelod, A. & Neubert, E.
Contributor/s:
Facilitators / Compilers/s:
This species is endemic to Porto Santo, where it is found in only two locations. Most recent visits to the island show that the habitats where this species is found at the western end of the island are still stable (Cameron, pers. comm., 2010). As a consequence, the species is still considered to be Vulnerable (VU) D2, due to lack of protected area status increasing the chances of habitat change (overgrazing, recreational impact from trampling, small fires).
This species is endemic to Porto Santo. It has been recorded by Wollaston (1878) from the Pico de Ana Ferreira and Espigao; Wollaston (1878) discounted the records listed in Paiva from other areas. The pecies is still present on Pico de Ana Ferreira and Espigao, two hills at the western end of the island of Porto Santo (Seddon 2008).
The species has been present on these two hills for at least 140 years, and so is seen as being stable.
This species was found in the crevices and in the leaf-litter on the rock ledges of the low crags within grassland.
These two hills do not lie in a protected area, although Espigao is further from the tourist area, Pico do Ana Ferreira is closer to the tourist area, and so is subject to more pressure. The threats are not considerable, mainly light recreational use and although fire is a possible threat, it probably would not impact the species over the entire area, given the presence on rock crags and in fissures.
Conservation actions include habitat monitoring for indication of population trends, and non destructive-sampling based methods for population monitoring. The area would benefit from protected area status.