Justification
The Tymphi Greek Bush-cricket (Parnassiana tymphiensis) is endemic to Greece, where it is only known to occur in a small mountainous area in the northwestern part of the Greek mainland. This species is assessed as Endangered since it has a restricted geographic range (extent of occurrence (EOO) is 540–600 km² and area of occupancy (AOO) is 32–60 km²), it occurs in only four locations, and there is a continuing decline in the number of individuals and the extent and quality of the habitat due to livestock grazing. Although its population occurs within protected areas, no conservation action is in place for the species, and no grazing management is implemented. Further research is needed on this species, particularly for the population size and trend, its ecology and threats.
Geographic Range Information
The Tymphi Greek Bush-cricket is endemic to Greece. It is only known to occur in a small mountainous area of the Pindos Mountain Range in the northwestern part of the Greek mainland. This mountainous area includes Tymphi Mt, Smolikas Mt and Vassilitsa Mt (Willemse 1973, Willemse 1980, Willemse and Willemse 2008, Willemse et al. 2018) and the species distribution lies in five Natura 2000 sites: Oros Tymfi (Gkamila) (GR2130009), Ethnikos Drymos Vikou-Aoou (GR2130001), Koryfes Orous Smolikas (GR2130002), Vassilitsa (GR1310001) and Valia Kalnta kai Techniti Limni (GR1310002). A recent study in Northern Pindus National Park (2022) confirmed the species' presence in Tymphi Mt (Nasiou in prep). The estimated species' extent of occurrence (EOO) is between 540 and 600 km², and the estimated area of occupancy (AOO) is between 32 and 60 km². The species lives at elevations above 1,700 m up to 2,200 m.
Population Information
The Tymphi Greek Bush-cricket is a cryptic species hiding in thorny bushes; thus, it is very difficult to monitor its population size and trend due to its cryptic behaviour, so they remain unknown. The species' population is inferred to be declining due to the ongoing deterioration of its habitat due to grazing. Its population status seems unsatisfactory in Tymfi mountainous grasslands, found in only 13% of the localities visited (2022) with a maximum population density of three individuals per 100 m² (Nasiou in prep.). The species was not recorded in any localities visited on Smolikas Mt (2022). The Tymphi Greek Bush-cricket is flightless and has low dispersal ability. No genetic flow seems to occur between its three mountainous subpopulations, while further research is needed on the analysis of the genetic diversity of the species.
Habitat and Ecology Information
The Tymphi Greek Bush-cricket is a high-altitude species occurring from 1,700–2,220 m. It is typically found in subalpine grasslands classified as "Endemic oro-Mediterranean heaths with gorse" (4090) according to the European Habitats' Directive. It prefers open slopes above the timberline with a great cover of herbaceous vegetation, rocky substrate and substantial cover of low bushes, mainly of the Astragalus genus. The dominant species of bushes in its habitat include Astragalus angustifolius and Daphne oleoides, with the individuals tending to hide more often in Astragalus bushes. The species is absent in overgrazed grasslands (less than 4 cm of herbaceous vegetation height) (Nasiou in prep.).
Threats Information
Considering the extent of the effects of pressures and the distribution of this species, it is considered to occur in four locations. In some cases, mild sheep/goat grazing has been replaced with cattle grazing in the subalpine grasslands where the species occurs, changing the vegetation composition and structure, generating bare soil patches due to trampling and reducing the food resources of the species. This threat is particularly pronounced in Tymfi Mt. Mt. Vassilitsa is used for skiing in the winter and although the effects of the development activities to sustain the touristic infrastructures needed for the sport are unknown, they should have concurred to habitat conversion and degradation in the past, in the area where the species has been recorded.
Use and Trade Information
The species is not utilized.
Conservation Actions Information
No conservation measures are in place for this species. However, all its known localities of presence are included in protected areas of the Natura 2000 network: Oros Tymfi -Gkamila (GR2130009), Ethnikos Drymos Vikou-Aoou (GR2130001), Koryfes Orous Smolikas (GR2130002), Vassilitsa (GR1310001) and Valia Kalnta kai Techniti Limni (GR1310002). A sustainable grazing regime study is needed and should be implemented throughout the species distribution in the five sites of the Natura 2000 network. A recent regulation prohibited cattle grazing in a small part of Tymfi Mt for two years. We suggest permanently banning cattle grazing and reintroducing mild sheep/goat grazing to maintain good habitat quality and secure sufficient herbaceous vegetation coverage and height, thus improving the species' food resources. Tymfi and Smolikas Mts. are protected as roadless areas (FEK 1006/31-12-2021 and FEK 1009/31-12-2021 respectively (BCL 2023), where road construction and artificial land expansion are banned, largely benefiting the Tymphi Greek Bush-cricket conservation. This measure should be expanded throughout the species distribution range to preserve the Tymphi Greek Bush-cricket population (Kati et al. 2023). Systematic monitoring of species' population size, trend, and habitat quality is also needed. Recent research (Nasiou in prep.) increased our ecological knowledge base for the species, but more research is needed regarding the distribution, ecology, population size and threats for the species, particularly on the impact of grazing on its habitat quality.
