Taxonomy
Synonyms
Antholoma billardierei Vieill.Red List Status -
Critically Endangered (CR) , assessed in 19/02/2016Protected species -
in Northern Province
Sloanea billardierei is an endemic shrub of New Caledonia, restricted to the east coast of Grande Terre. This species is known of a single population in Canala (Ouasse). It is found in shrubland or forest on an ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range of 30-50 m asl. Past mining activities have contributed to the degradation of the habitat, especially to erosion. The habitat of Sloanea billardierei is moreover degraded by bushfires. Population size is unknown. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are both estimated to be of 4 km² with an estimation of one location. Sloanea billardierei is therefore assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) with criteria B1ab(iii,v)+B2ab(iii,v) with a continuing decline of habitat quality and mature individuals.
Geographical area
Sloanea billardierei is an endemic shrub restricted to the east coast of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. This species is known of a single population in Canala (Ouasse).
Population
Population size is unknown.
Habitat
This species is found in shrubland or forest on an ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range 30-50 m asl.
Threats
Past mining activities have contributed to the degradation of the habitat, especially to erosion. The habitat of Sloanea billardierei is moreover degraded by bushfires (two fires occured in the last 10 years in its area). New Caledonia contains 20-30% of the world’s nickel resources. Intense mining activities since the late 19th century have generated soil erosion (1.2% of bare ground mapped by SPOT5 in 2007). Based on the distribution of metal-rich soils and site accessibility, these threats are predictable and planned (rise in nickel production from 60,000 to 200,000 tonnes per year between 2013 and 2015). Uncontrolled fires sweep across lowlands of 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).
Conservation
Sloanea billardierei is protected by the code de l'environnement of province Nord. It does not occur in any protected area. It is proposed to prospect the forest patches around the original localities. If individuals were to be found, emergency ex-situ and in-situ conservation actions should be implemented.
Bibliography
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.
Tirel, C. & Jérémie, J. 1982. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 11 : Eléocarpacées, Monimiacées, Amborellacées, Athérospermatacées, Triméniacées, Chloranthacées.
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.
L'Huillier L.; Jaffré T. and Wulff A. 2010. Mines et Environnement en Nouvelle-Calédonie : les milieux sur substrats ultramafiques et leur restauration.
Experts
Assessor(s): Tanguy, V., Veillon, J., Bruy, D., Dubreuil, M., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Lagrange, A., Lannuzel, G.
Reviewer(s): Amice, R.
Contributor(s): Wulff, A.
Facilitator(s): Chanfreau, S., Tanguy, V.