Conservation Status of a Recently Described Endemic Land Snail,Candidula coudensis,from the Iberian Peninsula |
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| Authors: | Francisco Moreira Gon?alo Calado Susana Dias |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Life Sciences, Lusófona University, Campo Grande, Lisbon, Portugal.; 2. REN Biodiversity Chair, CIBIO/InBIO Associate Laboratory, Uxniversidade do Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Vairão, Portugal.; 3. Centro de Ecologia Aplicada Prof. Baeta Neves/InBIO Associate Laboratory, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, Tapada da Ajuda, Lisbon, Portugal.; Australian Museum, AUSTRALIA, |
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| Abstract: | We assessed the distribution, population size and conservation status of Candidula coudensis, a recently described endemic land snail from Portugal. From March 2013 to April 2014, surveys were carried out in the region where the species was described. We found an extent of occurrence larger than originally described, but still quite small (13.5 km2). The species was found mainly in olive groves, although it occurred in a variety of other habitats with limestone soils, including grasslands, scrublands and stone walls. Minimum population estimate ranged from 110,000–311,000 individuals. The main identified potential threats to the species include wildfires, pesticides and quarrying. Following the application of IUCN criteria, we advise a conservation status of either “Least Concern” or “Near-threatened” under criterion D (restricted population). |
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