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SPIKY YELLOW WOODLOUSE

Pseudolaureola atlantica

Spiky Yellow Woodlice Liza Fowler.PNG

The Spiky Yellow Woodlouse is a large, distinctive woodlouse that even glows in the dark.

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  • Rarity: This species is only found on one island, St Helena a remote island in the South Atlantic Ocean. The species is IUCN globally red listed as Critically Endangered CR and is found only in the cloud forests on the island.​​

  • Cause of Decline: As a forest dependent species it relies heavily on this very unique habitat, these forests are threatened by tree diseases and invasive plant species.

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The Spiky Yellow Woodlouse is bright yellow and covered in spines, which likely serve as a defense mechanism against predators. It measures about 1 cm in length. Unlike most woodlice that forage on the ground, this species is arboreal, meaning it lives in trees and ferns.  It inhabits tree fern thickets and black cabbage tree woodland. It thrives in the high humidity and closed canopy conditions of these cloud forests.

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​Threats to the endemic invertebrates of St Helena, include:

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  • Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: The destruction and degradation of its cloud forest habitat is a major threat. This habitat is unique to St. Helena and is increasingly fragmented, and vulnerable to high winds and other environmental factors.

 

  • Invasive Species: Introduced plants and animals pose a significant risk to the Spiky Yellow Woodlouse. Invasive species can outcompete the native cloud forest flora, leading to a decline in the woodlouse's habitat and food sources.​

  • Climate Change: Changes in climate can impact the delicate balance of the cloud forest ecosystem where the woodlouse resides. This can lead to shifts in vegetation and microclimates, further threatening the species.

Our Work​

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  • Habitat Restoration: Supporting projects are aimed at restoring the cloud forest habitat, which is crucial for the survival of the Spiky Yellow Woodlouse and other endemic species.

 

  • Invasive Species Control:  SRT supports work to control invasive species in the cloud forest. This includes removal of invasive plants and animals that disrupt the ecosystem.

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  • Surveys and Research: SRT supports St Helena National Trust to conduct surveys to record the presence and abundance of the Spiky Yellow Woodlouse and other endemic species. Other research includes DNA sequencing and taxonomic work to better understand the species and its needs.​

  • Conservation Planning: SRT provides specialist invertebrate advice and conservation planning skills to enhance the effectiveness of conservation efforts on island for this species.

 

  • Publications and Awareness: We publish findings and raise awareness about the importance of conserving St. Helena's unique biodiversity.

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