Species conservation profiles of endemic spiders (Araneae) from Madeira and Selvagens archipelagos, Portugal

Seven endemic spider species from the Madeira and Selvagens archipelagos face ongoing declines, primarily due to habitat destruction, invasive plants, forest fires, and competition with invasive congeners. One species, M. barreti, is suspected of being possibly extinct. While most endemic spiders benefit from the protection of laurisilva forests, cave-dwelling, mountain-restricted species, and those threatened by invasives require urgent conservation attention. The study assesses all 56 endemic spider species using IUCN Red List criteria, highlighting the need for expanded protected areas, habitat restoration, and invasive species control to ensure their survival.

Cardoso, P., Crespo, L., Silva, I., Borges, P., & Boieiro, M. (2017). Species conservation profiles of endemic spiders (Araneae) from Madeira and Selvagens archipelagos, Portugal. Biodiversity Data Journal, 5. https://doi.org/10.3897/bdj.5.e20810