Hibbertia moratii, endemic altimontane species of New Caledonia, is restricted on northwestern moutains of the main island, namely Boulinda and Paéoua massifs. It occurs in dense humid forest and in shrubland on ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range 800-1200 m asl. Owing to its altitudinal range, we can consider that mining activites and fire do not constitute direct threats to H. moratii. However, with only two known sub-populations, it is estimated that population size ranges under 1,000. Using criteria D, H. moratii does qualify for Vulnerable (VU D1). It is recommended to monitor the population because a further reopening of the mine on Boulinda massif could rapidly endanger this species.

Geographical area

H. moratii is an endemic altimontane species of New Caledonia restricted on northwestern moutains of the main island, namely Boulinda and Paéoua massifs.

Population

With only two known sub-populations, it is estimated that population size ranges under 1,000 mature individuals.

Habitat

It occurs in dense humid forest and in shrubland on ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range 800-1200 m asl.

Threats

Owing to its altitudinal range,mining activities does not constitute direct threats to H. moratii. Some fires have been recorded on Boulinda in the past, but it seems that they did not affect H.moratii population. 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). They contribute to habitat fragmentation and decline in the quality of habitat.

Conservation

H.moratii is protected in Province Nord but does not occur in any protected area. It is recommended to monitor the population because a further reopening of the mine on Boulinda massif could rapidly endanger this species.

Bibliography

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

Morat, P.; Jaffré, T.; Tronchet, F.; Munzinger, J.; Pillon, Y.; Veillon, J.-M. and Chalopin, M. 2012. The taxonomic database « FLORICAL » and characteristics of the indigenous flora of New Caledonia. Adansonia(334) , p.177-219.

Gomez C.; Mangeas M.; Curt T.; Ibanez T.; Munzinger J.; Dumas P.; Jérémy A.; Despinoy M. and Hély C. 2014. Wildfire risk for main vegetation units in a biodiversity hotspot: modeling approach in New Caledonia, South Pacific. Ecology and Evolution(5) , p.377-390.

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

Veillon J.-M.; Müller I.H.; Goldblatt P. 1990. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 16 : Dilléniacées, Goodéniacées, Iridacées, Campynématacées.

Experts

Assessor(s): Veillon, J., Amice, R., Butin, J., Cazé, H., Garnier, D., Lannuzel, G., Leborgne, T., McCoy, S.

Reviewer(s): Tanguy, V.

Facilitator(s): Chanfreau, S.