Assessment Rationale:

The Rugose Sand Grasshopper is endemic to Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, where it occurs only in very few areas with fine soil. It has a small extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO). The population is severely fragmented and there is a continuous decline in the area of occupancy, number of subpopulations and number of individuals. It is therefore assessed as Endangered.

Geographic Range:

The Rugose Sand Grasshopper is endemic to Lanzarote and northern Fuerteventura (Bland and Gangwere 1998, Hochkirch 2003, Hochkirch and Husemann 2008). Its extent of occurrence (EOO) is c. 1,800 km², while its known area of occupancy (AOO) is 48 km², with a maximum estimate of 200 km².

Population:

This species is quite rare and the subpopulations are very small and isolated. There is probably little genetic exchange between them and they may go extinct with a reduced probability of recolonization. The population is therefore considered severely fragmented. Recent searches for this species at two known localities in Lanzarote were not successful. Therefore, it is assumed that the population is decreasing.

Habitat and Ecology

This species occurs in bare open habitats with fine soil (Hochkirch 2003). Its elevation range is 50 - 300 m.

Major Threat(s):

The major threat to this species is touristic development. It may also be affected by volcanic activities on Lanzarote.

Conservation Actions

No specific conservation action is in place for this species, but it occurs in protected areas throughout its range. Research on its population trend, distribution, ecology and threats is needed. The remaining subpopulations need to be studied in more detail and appropriate habitat management needs to be applied in the reserves where it occurs.