Taxonomy
Red List Status -
Endangered (EN) , assessed in 30/09/2016Protected species -
in Southern Province , in Northern Province
Basselinia porphyrea is a solitary, subcanopy to emergent, endemic tree palm of New Caledonia restricted to Montagne des Sources and Mont Nekando in the south-west of Grande Terre. Basselinia porphyrea occurs in dense humid forest and shrubland on serpentinite soils derived from ultramafic rocks from 900-1,000 m asl. Main identified threats are linked to seeds destruction by rats, habitat damage by wild pigs, seeds and seedlings illicit collections in the wild. Its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) are estimated to 20 km² and 103 km² and with a number of location equal to three, Basselinia porphyrea is considered Endangered (EN) B1ab(iii,v)+ 2ab(iii,v) with a decline of quality of habitat and mature individuals.
Geographical area
Basselinia porphyrea is an endemic tree palm of New Caledonia, where it is known from three subpopulations, restricted to Montagne des Sources and Mont Nekando in the south-west of Grande Terre (from Ngoye river to Mount Nekando and Montagne des Sources)
Population
The population is unknown but field observations noted that the population is not abundant and consist of isolated individuals.The number of subpopulations is estimated to three.
Habitat
Basselinia porphyrea occurs in dense humid forest ans shrubland on serpentinite soils derived from ultramafic rocks from 900-1,000 m asl.
Threats
Main identified threats are linked to seeds destruction by rats, habitat damage by wild pigs, illegal gathering of seeds and seedlings in the wild.
Conservation
Basselinia porphyrea is protected by legislation in Province Nord and Province Sud. B. porphyrea occurs in one protected area: Montagne des Sources. This species would benefit from ex-situ and in-situ emergency conservation actions as well as invasive species control. Prospection of the species at Mont Nekando and its listing in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) are recommended.
Bibliography
Pintaud, J.-C., & Stauffer, F. W. 2011. A revision of the large-flowered group of Basselinia Vieill. sect. Taloua H. E. Moore & Uhl (Arecaceae).. Candollea(66) , p.147-154.
Pintaud, J.-C., & Baker, W. J. 2008. A Revision of the Palm Genera (Arecaceae) of New Caledonia.. Kew bulletin(63) , p.61-73.
Pintaud, J.C. 2000. An introduction to the palms of New Caledonia.. Palms(44) , p.132-140.
Pintaud, J.C. 1999. Phylogénie, biogéographie et écologie des palmiers de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Hodel, D. R., & Pintaud. 1998. The palms of New Caledonia / Les palmiers de Nouvelle-Calédonie..
Experts
Assessor(s): Amice, R., Canel, J., Ugolini, D., Butin, J., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Garnier, D., Goxe, J., Henry, B., Lespes, A., Letocart, D., Letocart, I., Mercier, B., Tiavouane, J., Veillon, J., Warimavute, G.
Reviewer(s): Tanguy, V.
Facilitator(s): Warimavute, G., Tanguy, V., Maura, J.