Assessment Rationale:

Phytosus schatzmayri is a single island endemic species from S. Miguel (Azores, Portugal) (Borges et al. 2010), known from the historical location of Ponta Delgada (S. Miguel) with a last record in 1935. It has a very small extent of occurrence (EOO = 0-12 km²) and area of occupancy (AOO = 0-12 km²). There is a continuing decline in the EOO, AOO, extent and quality of habitat as well as the number of mature individuals as a result of major land-use changes in the last 150 years. Main recent past and ongoing threats are the destruction of habitat for creation of urban areas, industrial plantations of Cryptomeria japonica and pastures. Based upon the small geographic range of the species with only one location and continuing decline of its habitat area and quality, it is assessed as Critically Endangered (Possibly Extinct).

Geographic Range:

Phytosus schatzmayri is a single island endemic species from S. Miguel (Azores, Portugal) (Borges et al. 2010). This species is considered very rare and possibly near extinction (Terzopoulou et al. 2015). It has a very small extent of occurrence (EOO = 0-12 km²) and area of occupancy (AOO = 0-12 km²).

Population:

The species is only known from a single subpopulation. A continuing decline in the number of mature individuals is inferred from historical records. According to Terzopoulou et al. (2015) this species is possibly extinct.

Habitat and Ecology

The species occurred in the native forest of S. Miguel Island (Azores), with an altitudinal range between 0 and 200 m. It is possibly extinct. This is a nocturnal predator species usually associated with plant debris in the soil.

Major Threat(s):

In the past, the species has probably strongly declined due to changes in habitat size. Currently the historical location was highly modified due to urbanization. Based on Ferreira et al. (2016) the habitat will further decline as a consequence of climate change (increasing number of droughts).

Conservation Actions

The species is not protected by regional law. A strategy needs to be developed to address the future threat by climate change. Formal education and awareness is needed to allow future investments in restored habitats invaded by invasive plants. Further research is needed into its ecology and life history in order to find extant specimens, possibly in public and private gardens, and obtain information on population size, distribution and trends. It is also necessary a monitoring plan in private gardens in Ponta Delgada for the invertebrate community in the habitat in order to contribute to perform a species potential recovery plan.