Syzygium filiflorum is an endemic shrub from New Caledonia, where it is only known from Ponandou, in the north east of Grande Terre. This little known species was observed last observed in 1980 and recent prospections have managed to relocate the species near the known area. It is found in dense humid forest on volcano sedimentary soil between 15 and 150 m asl. Known from a single location, its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are both estimated to be 12 km². The main possible threat is posed by bushfires and invasive species (Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) and feral pigs (Sus scrofa)) causing habitat degradation. Therefore, S. filiflorum is listed as Critically Endangered (CR) under criteria B1ab(iii,v)+B2ab(iii,v).

Geographical area

This little known species was observed last observed in 1980 and recent prospections have managed to relocate the species near the known area.

Population

Population size is unknown.

Habitat

S. filiflorum occurs in dense humid forest on volcano sedimentary soil between 15 and 150 m asl.

Threats

The main threat is posed by bushfires and invasive species (rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) and feral pigs (Sus scrofa)) causing habitat degradation.

Conservation

This species is protected by legislation in Province Nord, but doesn't occur in any protected areas. This species should be included in the regional legislation for a better protection of the species. It would benefit from ex situ and in situ emergency conservation actions. It is recommended to inform the local authority responsible for the coordination of the firefighting effort about the presence of the species in the concerned areas. Finally, further prospection in the noprth east is recommendedto better estimate its population size.

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.

Dawson J.W. 1999. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 23 : Myrtaceae Myrtoideae 1 : Syzygium.

Experts

Assessor(s): Héquet, V., Vandrot, H., Barrabé, L., Amice, R., Butin, J., Cazé, H., Fleurot, D., Suprin, B., Chambrey, C., Laudereau, C., Haverkamp, C., Fogliani, B.

Reviewer(s): Gâteblé, G.

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