Taxonomy
Red List Status -
Near Threatened (NT) , assessed in 26/10/2018Protected species -
in Northern Province
Metrosideros dolichandra is an endemic tree of New Caledonia, where it is restricted to the south of Grande Terre, from Mts. Dzumac to Mt. Kouakoué. It occurs in dense humid forest on ultramafic substrates from 550 to 1,400 m asl. This species could potentially be threatened by bushfires and feral pigs degrading its habitat, however this is uncertain. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are estimated at 58 and 24 km², respectively, and the number of locations is estimated to be fewer than five. With the uncertainty over the impacts of threats, M. dolichandra is listed as Near Threatened (NT), close to Vulnerable under criteria B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v).
Geographical area
This species is endemic to New Caledonia, where it is restricted to a few summits (Mts. Dzumac, Mt. Kouakoué) and river basins (Ni, Ouinné) in the south of Grande Terre.
Population
Population size is unknown.
Habitat
This shrub or tree grows in dense humid forest on ultramafic substrate from 550 to 1,400 m asl.
Threats
This species could potentially be threatened by bushfires and feral pigs, which could cause habitat degradation. Besides, like other high elevation species, it could be impacted by climate change in the future.
Conservation
M. dolichandra is protected by legislation in Province Nord and occurs in three protected areas: Massif du Kouakoué natural reserve, as well as the Côte Oubliée and the Dumbéa provincial parks.
Bibliography
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.
Dawson J.W. 1992. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 18 : Myrtacées Leptospermoïdées.
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): Meyer, S., Warimavute, G.