Hunga cordata is a shrub endemic to the north-western part of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. This species is known from two massifs close together: Katépahie and Tahafé. It is is found in shrubland on ultramafic substrates at an altitudinal range of 20-500 m asl. The main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by uncontrolled bushfires and increasing urbanisation in the area. Its extent of occurrence and area of occupancy are respectively estimated to be of 35 km² and 24 km² while the number of locations is estimated to be 7. Using criterion B and with the estimation of a continuous decline of its habitat quality, AOO and number of mature individuals, Hunga cordata is assessed as Vulnerable B1ab(ii,iii,v)+2ab(ii,iii,v).

Geographical area

Hunga cordata is an endemic shrub of the north-western part of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. This species is known from two massifs close together: Katépahie and Tahafé.

Population

Population size is unknown. However, Hunga cordata is quite common at Katépahie and Tahafé.

Habitat

Hunga cordata is found in shrubland on ultramafic substrates at an altitudinal range of 20-500 m asl.

Threats

The main identified threat is linked to habitat damage by uncontrolled bushfires. Uncontrolled bushfires sweep across New Caledonia each year, especially during the dry season (an average of 20,000 ha of land is burnt each year, with dramatic peaks of 70,000 ha). Ongoing mining activities on Koniambo massif are leading to an important economic development and an increasing urbanisation in this area.

Conservation

The genus Hunga is protected by legislation in Province Nord and Province Sud, but the species does not occur in any protected area.

Bibliography

L'Huillier L.; Jaffré T. and Wulff A. 2010. Mines et Environnement en Nouvelle-Calédonie : les milieux sur substrats ultramafiques et leur restauration.

Wulff AS, Hollingsworth PM, Ahrends A, Jaffré T, Veillon J-M, L’Huillier L, et al. 2013. Conservation Priorities in a Biodiversity Hotspot: Analysis of Narrow Endemic Plant Species in New Caledonia.

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.

Experts

Assessor(s): Tanguy, V., Veillon, J., Amice, R., Barrière, R., Chambrey, C., Fleurot, D., Lannuzel, G.

Reviewer(s): Vandrot, H.

Contributor(s): Wulff, A.

Facilitator(s): Chanfreau, S., Tanguy, V.