Assessment Rationale:

This species is present on at least four island in the Azores: Faial, Terceira, Graciosa and Pico (Extent of occurrence = 7500 km²), is adapted to disturbed habitats and faces no major threats, therefore it is considered as Least Concern (LC).

Geographic Range:

This species is found on Faial (type locality), Terceira, Graciosa and Pico islands, Azores, Portugal. Backhuys (1975) and Cunha et al. (2010) mention this species respectively for seven and eight of the nine Azores islands; however, unpublished, preliminary anatomical work indicates that its distribution should be restricted to the aforementioned islands (A. Martins pers. comm. 2010).

Population:

It appears that this species is not widespread in Faial, its type locality, for it has only been found in few colonies in Horta and surrounding areas, mostly on stone walls (15 m). In Terceira it appears to be restricted to Praia da Vitória (17 m) and Fonte Dionísio (350 m), on stone walls. It is common in Graciosa, from near the sea in Praia (10 m) to Serra das Fontes and Pico Timão. In Pico it was found in Santa Luzia (130 m) and near Cabeço do Caminho Escuro (450 m).

Habitat and Ecology

Napaeus atlanticus lives mostly associated with dry habitats, preferring heaps of rocks and stone walls.

Major Threat(s):

Napaeus atlanticus can live in habitats disturbed by human activity, so no specific threats are foreseen.

Conservation Actions

No conservation measures are needed.