Selaginella sespillifolia is a perennial herbaceous plant (Hemicryptophyte) endemic of New Caledonia, with a scattered distribution between the southern, the central and the northwestern part of Grande Terre. It occurs in dense humid forest on volcano-sedimentary and ultramafic soil between 30 and 50 m asl. Known from five localities, its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are 3,582 and 16 km², respectively. The main threat is posed by invasive species (feral pigs (Sus scrofa) and rusa deer (Rusa timorensis)) and bushfires, causing habitat degradation. Therefore, S. sespillifolia is listed as Endangered (EN) under criteria B1ab (iii,v)+B2ab (iii,v) under criteria B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii) with a decline of the quality of habitat and the number of mature individuals.

Geographical area

Selaginella sespillifolia is endemic to New Caledonia where it has a scattered distribution between the southern, the central and the northwestern part of Grande Terre.

Population

Population size is unknown.

Habitat

Selaginella sespillifolia is a perennial herbaceous plant (Hemicryptophyte) which occur in dense humid forest on ultramafic and volcano-sedimentary soils up to 50 m asl.

Threats

The main threats identified are bushfires and invasive species (Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) and feral pigs (Sus scrofa)).

Conservation

Selaginella sespillifolia is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia but it does occur in one protected area: Rivière bleue. It is recommended to realise field surveys in know areas to collect more biological material and better estimate its population size.

Bibliography

Munzinger J., Morat Ph., Jaffré T., Gâteblé G., Pillon Y., Rouhan G., Bruy, D., Veillon J.-M., & M. Chalopin. 2019. FLORICAL: Checklist of the vascular indigenous flora of New Caledonia..

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

Experts

Assessor(s): Amice, R., Butin, J., Garnier, D., Veillon, J., Fleurot, D., Laudereau, C., Suprin, B., Mandaoué, L.

Reviewer(s): Tanguy, V.

Contributor(s): Field, A., Rouhan, G., Perrie, L.

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