Syzygium jaffrei is a shrub, endemic to the north-western part of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. This species is only known from Poya area. It is found in humid forest on an ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range of 50-780 m asl. The main identified threat is linked to habitat damaging by uncontrolled bushfires. This species could be impacted by the Myrtle Rust (Austropuccinia psidii), which was discovered in 2013 in New Caledonia. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are respectively estimated to be of 433 km² and 32 km² while the number of locations are estimated to be six. Syzygium jaffrei is therefore assessed as Vulnerable (VU) with criteria B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v) with a continuing decline of of its habitat quality and number of mature individuals.

Geographical area

Syzygium jaffrei is an endemic shrub of the north-western part of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. This species is only known from Poya area. Recent unconfirmed observations may suggest its presence in the Koniambo, Kopéto, Bopope and Kouaoua areas.

Population

Population size is unknown.

Habitat

Syzygium jaffrei is found in humid forest on an ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range of 50-780 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). This area is particularly exposed to such risk. Ongoing mining activities on Mine Pinpin and Koniambo could be an additional threat if field surveys confirm the presence of the species in the mining areas. This species could be impacted by Myrtle Rust (Austropuccinia psidii), which was discovered in 2013 on New Caledonia.

Conservation

Syzygium jaffrei is not protected by legislation in Province Nord and does not occur in any protected area. It is recommended to collect herbarium specimens to confirm the presence of a subpopulation at Koniambo, Kopéto, Kouaoua and Bopope. It is proposed to ensure the monitoring of the known subpopulations and to preserve patches of humid forests within delimited perimeters.

Bibliography

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.

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.