Analysis of the distribution of endemic and rare arthropods in high endemism areas of Algarve - South Portugal

The study of several arthropod groups in high endemism areas (HEA) of Algar ve, the Southernmost province of Portugal, has revealed endemic species and species not yet recorded for the Portuguese fauna. The list includes 3 spe cies of Isopoda endemic to Algarve, to Portugal or to the Iberian Peninsula , 2 species new to Portugal and 2 species new to the Iberian Peninsula; 2 s pecies of Pseudoscorpiones not yet cited to Portugal; 11 species of Pauropo da new to Portugal, including one new species probably endemic: 15 species of Collembola endemic to the Portuguese or to the Iberian Peninsula faunas (Gama et al. 1997) and 37 species and 5 subspecies of Staphylinidae endemic to Algarve. With the exception of Collembola, which have been studied by us, the remain ing groups have been submitted for study to several specialists. These findings heighten the biological richness of these areas of high ende mism in terms of conservation of biological diversity. The authors draw att ention to the necessity to preserve or restore the biological value of thes e areas, encouraging the adoption of protective measures and the creation o f research programmes that include the implementation of taxonomic studies and co-operation between taxonomists and ecologists in order to preserve th e biodiversity of these areas.