VUVulnerable

Deinacrida rugosa

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deinacrida_rugosa

Overview

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

Deinacrida rugosa faces severe population decline primarily due to predation by introduced mammals, particularly rats, stoats, and hedgehogs that prey on eggs, juveniles, and adults. Habitat fragmentation from agricultural conversion and urban development has reduced available refugia, while livestock grazing degrades the tussock grasslands and shrublands essential for shelter and foraging. Climate change poses an emerging threat through altered precipitation patterns affecting the moisture-dependent invertebrate prey base.
Threat summary

Habitat

Deinacrida rugosa inhabits native tussock grasslands, shrublands, and forest margins across New Zealand's South Island, particularly favoring areas with dense vegetation cover that provides shelter during daylight hours. The species requires intact native plant communities with sufficient invertebrate prey and suitable refugia such as rock crevices, fallen logs, and dense shrub cover.

TERRESTRIAL· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Deinacrida rugosa classified as Vulnerable?

Deinacrida rugosa is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Deinacrida rugosa faces severe population decline primarily due to predation by introduced mammals, particularly rats, stoats, and hedgehogs that prey on eggs, juveniles, and adults. Habitat fragmentation from agricultural conversion and urban development has reduced available refugia, while livestock grazing degrades the tussock grasslands and shrublands essential for shelter and foraging. Climate change poses an emerging threat through altered precipitation patterns affecting the moisture-dependent invertebrate prey base.

Where does Deinacrida rugosa live?

Deinacrida rugosa occurs in New Zealand. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.

What are the main threats to Deinacrida rugosa?

The main threats to Deinacrida rugosa 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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