Taxonomy
Pavetta opulina
Red List Status -
Least Concern (LC) , assessed in 20/08/2019
Pavetta opulina is a native shrub or tree from New Caledonia and Vanuatu. It is widely distributed in New Caledonia, across Grande Terre, the Bélep islands, the isle of Pines (île des Pins) and the Loyalty Islands (Ouvéa, Lifou, Maré). It occurs in dry tropical and mesophilic forest as well as littoral vegetation on volcano-sedimentary and calcareous substrates. Its extent of occurrence and area of occupancy are estimated at 65,478 and 196 km², respectively. Although some subpopulations can be impacted by bushfires or habitat degradation by invasive species (rusa deer, Rusa timorensis), it is not considered threatened in New Caledonia. Therefore, it is listed as Least Concern (LC).
Geographical area
P. opulina is native to New Caledonia, where it is widely distributed across Grande Terre, the Bélep islands, the isle of Pines and three Loyalty islands (Ouvéa, Lifou, Maré).
Population
Total population size is unknown.
Habitat
P. opulina occurs in tropical dry and mesophilic forest as well as littoral vegetation on volcano-sedimentary and calcareous substrates up to 400 m asl.
Threats
Although some subpopulations could be impacted by bushfires and habitat degradation by invasive species (rusa deer, Rusa timorensis), field observations suggest this species is resistant. Therefore, it is not considered to be threatened in New Caledonia.
Conservation
P. opulina is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia, but it occurs in two protected areas: Ouen Toro and Parc Zoologique et Forestier Michel Corbasson.
Bibliography
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].
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Experts
Assessor(s): Bruy, D., Fleurot, D., Suprin, B., Veillon, J.
Facilitator(s): Meyer, S.