Countries of Occurrence:
Portugal - Azores
Archipelago(s):
Azores
Assessor/s:
Paulo A.V. Borges
Rui Miguel Ricardo Nunes
Reviewer/s:
Russell, N.
Contributor/s:
Facilitators / Compilers/s:
Tipula macaronesica is an endemic fly species of the Azores (Portugal), present on Corvo, Faial, Pico, Graciosa, S. Jorge, Terceira, S. Miguel and Santa Maria islands. This species has a large Extent of Occurrence (34,620 km2), and potentially a small Area of Occupancy (120 km2), but this is likely an underestimate. This species seems to be widespread in a variety of native and disturbed habitats, likely occurring in sixteen Natural Forest Reserves. It is possible that this species has declined in the past as a result of human activity and of invasive plant species that change the soil characteristics and humidity. Based on Ferreira et al. (2016) the habitat will probably decline as a consequence of climate change (increasing number of droughts). The present situation of this species needs to be further assessed and further research is needed into its population, distribution, threats, ecology and life history; while conservation/restoration of native forests, as well as invasive species control could potentially aid this species' conservation. However, even though there is a paucity of recent data regarding this species' population, distribution, threats and ecology, this species is unlikely to warrant listing as threatened under any criterion, and so it is listed as Least Concern.
Tipula macaronesica is an Azorean-endemic crane fly species present on the islands of Corvo, Faial, Pico, Graciosa, S. Jorge, Terceira, S. Miguel and Santa Maria (Azores, Portugal) (Borges et al. 2010). It occurs in native and disturbed habitats. Within these islands, according to Borges et al. (2010) it is known from all sixteen Natural Forest Reserves: Caldeira do Faial and Cabeço do Fogo (Faial); Mistério da Prainha, Caveiro and Caiado (Pico); Pico Pinheiro and Topo (S. Jorge); Biscoito da Ferraria, Pico Galhardo, Caldeira Guilherme Moniz, Caldeira Sta. Bárbara e Mistérios Negros and Terra Brava (Terceira); Atalhada, Graminhais and Pico da Vara (S. Miguel) and Pico Alto (Sta. Maria). The Extent of Occurrence (EOO) is ca. 34,620 km² and the minimum estimated Area of Occupancy (AOO) is ca 120 km².
No current population size estimates exist for this species. According to Borges et al. (2010) this species is relatively widespread through the archipelago, in a wide variety of habitats, which might be assumed as and indicator of a stable population.
The ecology and traits of this species are poorly known. Tipulid larvae are present in many kinds of freshwater, semiaquatic or moist terrestrial habitats (mosses, leaf litter, humus rich soil, decaying organic matter, and so forth) (McAlpine et al. 1981). Larvae can be phytophagous, saprophagous (playing an important role in the soil ecosystem) or predatory. Adults of most tipulid flies have short lifespans and do not feed. The larvae of other species of the genus Tipula (T. paludosa and T. oleracea) can be considered agricultural pests, feeding on the roots of economically important crop species or lawns and ornamental plants. This species seems to be present in a wide variety of native and disturbed habitats.
A lack of information regarding the present status of this species precludes a complete assessment of potential threats. Nevertheless, from the ecology of the Tipulidae family and known habitat preferences, it is assumed that this species has probably declined due to changes in habitat size and quality, mostly due to human action. Currently, invasive plants like Pittosporum undulatum and Hedychium gardnerianum are changing some of the areas and decreasing the quality of the habitat. These changes are decreasing the relative cover of endemic plants and changing the soil cover and moisture (decreasing the cover of bryophytes and ferns). Based on Ferreira et al. (2016) the habitat will further decline as a consequence of climate change (increasing number of droughts, and habitat shifting and alteration)
The species is not protected by regional law, but its habitat includes regionally protected areas (Natural Parks of Corvo, Faial, Graciosa, Pico, S. Jorge, Terceira, S. Miguel and Sta. Maria). Degraded habitats outside protected areas should be restored and a strategy needs to be developed to address the future threat from climate change. Also, the present situation of this species needs to be further assessed and further research is needed into its population, distribution, threats, ecology and life history.