Taxonomy

endemique
protegee
UICN

Red List Status -

Near Threatened (NT) , assessed in 26/10/2018

Protected species -

in Northern Province

Metrosideros oreomyrtus is an endemic shrub or tree of New Caledonia, where it has a scattered distribution across Grande Terre. It occurs in dense humid forest on ultramafic or volcano-sedimentary substrates from 750 to 1,200 m asl. Some subpopulations may be impacted by habitat degradation by feral pigs, but overall this species does not seem to be significantly threatened. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are estimated at 6,290 and 52 km², respectively, while the number of locations is greater than 10. Therefore, M. oreomyrtus is listed as Near Threatened (NT), close to Vulnerable under criteria B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii).

Geographical area


This species is endemic to New Caledonia, where it has a scattered distribution across Grande Terre, from Mt. Mou to Mt. Ignambi.

Population


Population size is unknown.

Habitat


This shrub or tree grows in high elevation dense humid forest on ultramafic or volcano-sedimentary substrate, from 750 to 1,200 m asl.

Threats


Except the northeastern subpopulations, which may be impacted by habitat degradation by feral pigs (Sus scrofa), this species does not appear to be threatened. Besides, like other high elevation species, it could be impacted by climate change in the future.

Conservation


M. oreomyrtus is protected by legislation in Province Nord and occurs in six protected area: Mt. Panié, Forêt de Saille, pic Ningua, Mt. Humboldt and Mt. Mou natural reserves, as well as the Côte Oubliée provincial park. Prospection is suggested to clarify this species' distribution.

Bibliography


Dawson J.W. 1992. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 18 : Myrtacées Leptospermoïdées.

Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.

Morat, P.; Jaffré, T.; Tronchet, F.; Munzinger, J.; Pillon, Y.; Veillon, J.-M. and Chalopin, M. 2012. Le référentiel taxonomique Florical et les caractéristiques de la flore vasculaire indigène de la Nouvelle-Calédonie [The taxonomic database « FLORICAL » and characteristics of the indigenous flora of New Caledonia]. Adansonia sér 3(34) , p.177-219.

Experts


Assessor(s): Amice, R., Bruy, D., Butin, J., Cazé, H., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Gâteblé, G., Goxe, J., Henry, B., Héquet, V., Lagrange, A., Lannuzel, G., Mandaoué, L., Pillon, Y., Veillon, J.

Reviewer(s): Vandrot, H.

Facilitator(s): Warimavute, G., Meyer, S.


Geographical distribution