STUDY AND CONSERVATION OF CIKA MOUNTAIN GRASSHOPPER PERIPODISMA CERAUNII (LEMONNIER-DARCEMONT & DARCEMONT, 2015), (ORTHOPTERA: ACRIDIDAE)

The Cika Mountain Grasshopper (Peripodisma ceraunii) is a Critically Endangered species found only in the Ceraunian Mountains of southern Albania. This paper presents the results of our studies (species, main drivers to threats) and proposed actions shared in a conservation plan. Quantitative studies were carried out with transects, pastoralism status was analysed, drivers to threats were shared with stakeholders. The species was found in areas above 1500m asl, with the highest abundance observed between 1700 and 1950m asl. Among the Ceraunian (Cika) mountain chain, the species is more abundant near the Qorre peak where the pressure of pastoralism is the lowest. The potential threats include overgrazing, habitat changes, climate change, fires, and disturbance. Mitigation plans are proposed for drivers to threats.