3.6 Conservation status and recommendations
Based on our distribution range and population size results (Section 3.5), we propose that A. cantabrica be classified as Vulnerable (VU) under the IUCN Red List criteria: B1ab(ii,iii) + 2ab(ii,iii). This categorization is supported by an estimated extent of occurrence (EOO) of less than 20,000 km2 (B1); an area of occupancy (AOO) of less than 2,000 km2 (B2); fewer than 10 locations (a), and ongoing declines in both area of occupancy (b(ii)) and habitat extent and quality (b(iii)).
Considering the population genetic structure analysis results, we compared the genetic diversity values between the two genetic groups and observed a higher genetic diversity in Group E. Conservation measures for Group E are recommended to primarily focus on managing ecological and demographic threats at the species level to maintain population size and gene flow. For Group W, emphasis on in-situ diversity restoration and facilitating translocations of individuals to increase population size, especially for the small-size (individuals < 100) EP population, are recommended.