Assessment Rationale:

Bradycellus chavesi was endemic to São Miguel (Azores, Portugal). It had a very small extent of occurrence (EOO = 0-4 km²) and area of occupancy (AOO = 0-4 km²). The species occurred only at one location and is considered extinct (Terzopoulou et al. 2015). The last record dates from 1919. Exhaustive surveys in known and/or expected habitat, at appropriate times (diurnal, seasonal, annual), throughout its historic range have failed to record an individual (Borges et al. 2016). Surveys should be over a time frame appropriate to the taxon’s life cycle and life form. Therefore, it is assessed as Extinct.

Geographic Range:

Bradycellus chavesi is a single island endemic species restricted to  S. Miguel (Azores, Portugal) (Borges et al. 2010), that is considered extinct in the Azorean arquipelago (Terzopoulou et al. 2015).

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 extinct.

Habitat and Ecology

The species occurred in the native forest of São Miguel Island (Azores), but it is considered extinct. This is a night activity predator. Current altitudinal range is unknown.

Major Threat(s):

In the past, the species has probably strongly declined due to changes in habitat size. 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. Its habitat is possibly in a regionally protected area (Natural Park of São Miguel Island). Further research is needed into its ecology and life history in order to find extant specimens.