Taxonomy
Capparis artensis
Red List Status -
Least Concern (LC) , assessed in 20/11/2020
Capparis artensis is an autochthonous climbing shrub of New Caledonia widely distributed across Grande Terre as well as Bélep islands, Lifou (Loyalty Islands) and Ile des Pins. This species occurs in dry forest and in maquis on ultramafic and volcano-sedimentary substrate at an altitude range of 2 and 800 m asl. This species is common and does not seem to be threatened although some subpopulations may be threatened by ongoing and future mining activities (Oupoue, Thiebaghi, Ouazangou, Vulcain and Paéoua), bushfires and urbanization. Therefore with an extent of occurrence (EOO) equal to 40,419 km² and an area of occupancy (AOO) of 188 km², C. artensis is assessed as Least Concern (LC).
Geographical area
Capparis artensis is an autochtonous species widely distributed across Grande Terre as well as Bélep islands, Lifou (Loyalty Islands) and Ile des Pins.
Population
Population size is unknown. Field observations indicate a species that is common.
Habitat
Capparis artensis occurs in dry forest and in maquis on ultramafic and volcano-sedimentary substrate at an altitude range of 2 and 800 m asl.
Threats
Capparis artensis does not seem to be threatened although some subpopulations may be threatened by ongoing and future mining activities (Oupoue, Thiebaghi, Ouazangou, Vulcain and Paéoua), bushfires and urbanization.
Conservation
Capparis artensis is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia and it does occur in four protected areas: Ouen Toro, Ile Leprédour, Vallée de la Thy, Dumbéa. Herbarium specimens and taxonomic studies are recommended to clear taxonomic doubts of the two subspecies.
Bibliography
LIEDE-SCHUMANN S., MEVE U., GÂTEBLÉ G., BARRIERA G. & FICI S. 2020. Apocynaceae p.p., Phellinaceae, Capparaceae : Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Munzinger J., Morat Ph., Jaffré T., Gâteblé G., Pillon Y., Rouhan G., Bruy, D., Veillon J.-M., & M. Chalopin 2020. FLORICAL: Checklist of the vascular indigenous flora of New Caledonia [continuously updated].
Experts
Assessor(s): Bruy, D., Butin, J., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Héquet, V., Laudereau, C., Mandaoué, L., Vandrot, H.
Reviewer(s): Cazé, H.
Facilitator(s): Meyer, S., Warimavute, G.