In most published literature, this species is referred to as a subpopulation or subspecies of the Arctic Charr (Salvelinus alpinus).

At the broader scale, there remains considerable uncertainty regarding the evolutionary relationships and taxonomy of the genus Salvelinus (Reist et al. 2013; Taylor 2016; Whiteley et al. 2019).

Members of this genus exhibit bewildering subpopulation-scale ecological and morphological variability throughout their global range. When such divergence occurs within a single lake system, the different sympatric forms are often referred to as “morphs”, “morphotypes”, "ecomorphs" or "ecotypes" (Snorrason et al. 1994; Adams et al. 1998; Knudsen et al. 2006; Klemetsen 2010; Muir et al. 2016).

Some of these subpopulations and sympatric forms have over time been described as nominal species, including at least 15 from North America, around 30 from Europe and 12 from Siberia and the Far East. However, these taxa encompass only a small fraction of charr distribution and diversity and there exist significant differences in opinion regarding which of them should be considered valid (Savvaitova 1995; Adams and Maitland 2007; Kottelat and Freyhof 2007; Klemetsen 2010; Whiteley et al. 2019).

With the above in mind, there is an emerging consensus that the striking genetic and phenotypic diversity exhibited by members of this genus cannot be adequately represented by a single accepted taxonomic system (Whiteley et al. 2019).

The Red List currently follows the nomenclature provided by Fricke et al. (2024), albeit a species-oriented conservation management approach is unlikely to prove appropriate for members of this genus (Barthelemy et al. 2023; also see 'Conservation').

Global and European regional assessment: Vulnerable (VU)
EU 27 regional assessment: Not Recorded

The Faroe Islands Charr has an extremely restricted range (area of occupancy (AOO) c. 4 km²) where it occurs naturally only in Lake Leynar on the island of Streymoy. Its AOO meets the threshold for the Critically Endangered category under Criterion B2 (AOO < 10 km²). It is restricted to one location, but there is no indication of continuing decline or extreme fluctuations, hence it does not qualify for a threatened category under Criterion B.

There is no evidence of any population size reduction that would approach the threshold for Vulnerable under Criterion A (≥ 30% over the past ten years or three generations). The population size is unknown, precluding the use of Criterion C or Criterion D1, and there exists no quantitative analysis of extinction probability which would permit application of Criterion E.

Therefore, this species is assessed as Vulnerable under Criterion D2, based on its presence at one location where climate change could drive it to Critically Endangered or Extinct in a very short time period.

This species is endemic to the Faroe Islands, where it occurs naturally only in Lake Leynar (fo. Leynavatn) on the island of Streymoy.

Elsewhere on Streymoy, introduced subpopulations inhabit three artificial reservoirs and a dammed natural lake located to the west of Lake Leynar. These subpopulations are not included in the present assessment, since the intent of the introductions was not to reduce extinction risk of the taxon.

The small size of all five lakes precludes their accurate depiction on the range map accompanying this assessment.

This species' current population size and trend have not been quantified, but it is understood to be the most abundant fish species in Lake Leynar.

Oligotrophic Lake Leynar was formed during the last glacial period and has a maximum depth of 33 metres.

The Faroe Islands Charr occupies the benthic, littoral and pelagic zones in the lake. It feeds on benthic invertebrates, particularly Chironomidae, plus planktonic cladocerans belonging predominantly to the genus Daphnia.

This species grows slowly and has a relatively short maximum recorded lifespan of eight years. It is plausible that somatic growth is inhibited by the presence of sympatric Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) and/or food availability, since translocated captive individuals raised in the absence of potential competitors exhibit significantly faster growth rates and adult size. Male individuals reach sexual maturity from age 4+ and females from age 5+. The annual reproductive period takes place in October.

Lake Leynar suffers from almost zero pollution and is considered to be in excellent ecological condition.

Warming of the lake due to climate change represents a plausible future threat.

This species is not used or traded.

No conservation measures are currently in place.

This species is not recognised by the relevant authorities in the Faroe Islands, where it is treated as a subpopulation of the Arctic Charr (Salvelinus alpinus). The taxonomy of Eurasian charrs is in need of review (see 'Taxonomic Notes'), and it has been widely recommended that their conservation management must be considered independent of their systematic classification. Each subpopulation should therefore be assessed individually, taking into account its evolutionary and genetic significance coupled with the ongoing population trend and threats to result in a priority ranking permitting the effective allocation of conservation resources through the development of site-specific, catchment-scale management plans. Sympatric morphological forms should also be managed separately, depending on their respective habitat preferences, diets and life histories. The abundance trends of many subpopulations remain unknown, and their individual assessments should ideally form the basis of future research efforts in order to ensure appropriate prioritisation. In practice, such efforts should ideally be coordinated at local, national or regional scales.