EN

Mesiotelus maderianus

Declining

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Mesiotelus maderianus faces severe pressure from habitat degradation across its limited Madeiran range, where urban development and agricultural expansion continue to fragment its native forest ecosystems. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to introduced plant species that alter soil chemistry and microhabitat conditions essential for its survival. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns that affect the moisture-dependent environments this endemic beetle requires.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic beetle inhabits the native laurel forests (laurisilva) of Madeira, particularly in areas with rich organic soil and high humidity levels. It is typically found in forest floor leaf litter and decaying organic matter within well-preserved sections of the island's remaining indigenous woodland.

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies recovery

Other threatened species in LIOCRANIDAE

VU

Apostenus ochraceus

Unknown

Threatened in Portugal

VU

Lepiota echinella

Unknown
CR

Coscinodon monchiquensis

Unknown
EN

Double Spleenwort

Asplenium anceps

Declining
VU

Madeira Rustyback Fern

Asplenium lolegnamense

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Mesiotelus maderianus classified as Endangered?
Mesiotelus maderianus is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Mesiotelus maderianus faces severe pressure from habitat degradation across its limited Madeiran range, where urban development and agricultural expansion continue to fragment its native forest ecosystems. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to introduced plant species that alter soil chemistry and microhabitat conditions essential for its survival. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns that affect the moisture-dependent environments this endemic beetle requires.
Where does Mesiotelus maderianus live?
Mesiotelus maderianus occurs in Portugal. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Mesiotelus maderianus?
The main threats to Mesiotelus maderianus are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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