Global and European regional assessment: Critically Endangered (CR)
EU 27 regional assessment: Not Recorded

This species occurs in one location only, near Pletvar in North Macedonia. There are seven subpopulations covering two hillsides and these are highly fragmented (Verovnik et al. 2013). The population is in decline because of habitat destruction by quarrying. The two main breeding areas are threatened by renewed quarrying which, without any intervention, could lead to a reduction to the extent of occurrence and/or area of occupancy by 80% in the next 10 years, and from this a population decline of 80% in the same time frame is suspected. It is therefore classified as Critically Endangered in Europe under criterion A3c. The species is not recorded in the EU 27 region.

This species is endemic to the European region where it occurs only in the Pletvar Massif near Prilep in North Macedonia. It is found at altitudes between 800 and 900 m.

A detailed survey in 2012 found that the total distribution area is smaller than 10 km², however its area of occupancy, measured using a 2x2 km grid, is 92 km² (Verovnik et al. 2013). This survey found that there are seven breeding areas covering two hillsides, of which only two breeding areas had reasonable numbers. The two main populations are now threatened by an expansion of quarrying and populations are predicted to decline seriously in the next 10 years (R. Verovnik, pers.comm.).

This is a very local species, restricted to (semi-) natural areas in a small part of North Macedonia. Recent surveys show that there are seven subpopulations covering two hillsides. As this is a sedentary species and sites are isolated due to mountainous terrain and unsuitable habitat between them, the population is regarded to be highly fragmented (Verovnik et al. 2013). The population size was estimated in 2012 to be at least 2,500 individuals (Verovnik et al. 2013). Declines in distribution and population size have been reported following habitat loss due to quarrying. The two main breeding areas are now threatened by renewed quarrying which, without any intervention, could lead to a reduction to the extent of occurrence and/or area of occupancy by 80% in the next 10 years, which is considered to be a plausible prediction from current habitat monitoring and the encroachment of the quarrying activity on the small habitat patches which this species occupies (R. Verovnik, pers. comm.). A future decline in the population of at least 80% is suspected from this predicted habitat loss if there is no intervention.

The Macedonian Grayling inhabits dry limestone rocks with grassy vegetation here and there. It has one generation per year. Habitats include dry calcareous grasslands and steppes (100%) (van Swaay et al. 2006).

This is a European endemic which is restricted to one location globally. The area of habitat for this species is shrinking rapidly due to active marble quarries, and there has been renewed activity in the last few years which threatens the two main breeding areas. Therefore without any intervention this species is threatened with extinction, as soon some of the last few breeding areas will not be viable. Climate change might also be a threat in the future. Collecting of this species also occurs and could become more important if it becomes rarer.

There is no specific trade information for this species. There are reports of this species being targeted by collectors, but the impact of this is currently unknown.

The most urgent action is the protection of the remaining habitat from further destruction by quarrying. This requires new legislation and enforcement. Research is also needed on the ecology and habitat requirements of the species to ensure that a proper management plan can be drawn up to prevent the species from becoming extinct. The effects of the management should be monitored closely by butterfly monitoring schemes.

This species does not occur in any protected areas and all remaining sites should be protected.