Mahé boulder cricket
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Orthoptera
Suborder: Ensifera
Family: Phalangopsidae
Genus: Phalangacris
Species:
P. alluaudi
Binomial name
Phalangacris alluaudi
Bolivar, 1895

The Mahé boulder cricket (Phalangacris alluaudi) is an insect species endemic to Mahé island in Seychelles. This species of cricket is only found in two localities, the Morne Seychellois National Park and "La Reserve". The species had not been recorded since 1909, until its rediscovery in 2014. It is a restricted range species, with an area of occupancy less than 10 square kilometres (3.9 sq mi) and with a very fragmented population.[1][2]

This species of boulder cricket is flightless and only found in caves and under large boulders. The population is assumed to be declining due to the deterioration of its habitat, threatened by the invasion of alien plants species like Cinnamomum verum and Clidemia hirta.[1][3][2]

Axel Hochkirch, co-chair of the IUCN’s Grasshopper Specialist Group has said, “We have no idea how many individuals exist in total. Insect populations can be quite large in a small area. The problem with many insect populations is that [they are found in] small areas which can rapidly be destroyed by humans, so that even a large population can disappear rapidly.” The IUCN specialist group intends to publish a field guide to identify different species of the order Orthoptera, that includes crickets and grasshoppers; of the islands of Seychelles to assist local conservationists.[3]

References

  1. 1 2 Gerlach, J. & Hochkirch, A. (2015). "Phalangacris alluaudi: Gerlach, J. & Hochkirch, A." IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (2015). doi:10.2305/iucn.uk.2015-4.rlts.t199505a72317967.en.
  2. 1 2 Hochkirch, Axel. "Mahé Boulder Cricket Conservation Case Study | The Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund". www.speciesconservation.org. Retrieved 25 September 2017.
  3. 1 2 Meriton Jean, S. (February 10, 2016). "Extinct? Endangered? A new assessment for a Seychelles' cricket". Seychelles News Agency. Seychelles News Agency. Retrieved 25 September 2017.
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