Cloezia artensis var. riparia is endemic to New Caledonia, where it is restricted to the Tontouta valley (south west of Grande Terre). This shrub is found in riverine vegetation on ultramafic substrate from 10 m to 200 m asl. Known from 3 locations, its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are 50 and 48 km², respectively. The main threats are recurrent bushfires and mining activities in the valley, contributing to habitat degradation, especially erosion. The species C. artensis is affected by myrtle rust, so this taxon is likely to be as well. Cloezia artensis var. riparia is therefore listed as Endangered under criteria B1ab(ii,iii,v)+2ab(ii,iii,v).

Geographical area

C. artensis var. riparia is endemic to New Caledonia, where it is restricted to the Tontouta valley in the south west of Grande Terre.

Population

Population size is unknown.

Habitat

C. artensis var. riparia occurs in riverine vegetation on ultramafic substrate from 10 to 200 m asl.

Threats

The main threats are recurrent bushfires and mining activities in the valley (Tomo, SMGM), that contribute to habitat degradation, especially erosion. Like the species, this taxon is also likely to be affected by myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii).

Conservation

C. artensis var. riparia is not protected by any legislation in New Caledonia and does not occur in any protected areas. This species is cultivated at the IAC (Institut Agronomique de Nouvelle-Calédonie) nursery of Saint-Louis. This taxon would benefit from ex situ and in situ emergency conservation actions. It is recommended to monitor and preserve known populations in delimited areas of the mining site, and to inform the local authority responsible for the coordination of the firefighting effort about the presence of the species in the concerned areas. It would also be advised to run multiplication tests in order to assist future planting operations. As long as mining goes on in the valley, it will be difficult to envision perennial conservation measures: it would be better to effectively protect parts of the Tontouta valley.

Bibliography

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.

Lannuzel, G.; Gâteblé, G.; Fogliani, B. 2017. Etude des Espèces Rares et Menacées des sites miniers de la SMT.

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

Experts

Assessor(s): Amice, R., Barrière, R., Butin, J., Fleurot, D., Lagrange, A., Lannuzel, G., Letocart, I., Suprin, B.

Reviewer(s): Veillon, J.

Contributor(s): Russ, L.

Facilitator(s): Tanguy, V., Warimavute, G.