Acropogon margaretae is an endemic tree of the central part of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. This species is known from three sub-populations (Oua Tilou, Bopope, Grandié). It is found in dense humid forest on ultramafic substrate on an altitudinal range 700-760 m asl. Its area of occupancy (AOO) and its extent of occurrence (EOO) are respectively estimated to 16 and 38 km². The threats to A. margaretae are linked to habitat loss and fragmentation due to bushfires which lead to a decline of mature individuals. An estimation of population highlights a small size of population (fewer than 1,000 mature individuals). Using criteria B and C, A. margaretae does qualify for Endangered (EN) B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v); C2a(i).

Geographical area

Acropogon margaretae is an endemic tree of the central part of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. This species is known from three sub-populations (Oua Tilou, Bopope, Grandié).

Population

Field observations highlights a small population, estimated to be fewer than 250 mature individuals per sub-population, hence fewer than 1,000 individuals in total.

Habitat

This species is found in dense humid forest on ultramafic substrate on an altitudinal range 700-760 m asl.

Threats

The threats to A. margaretae are linked to habitat degradation due to bushfires which leads to a decline of mature individuals.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

Protected species by legislation in Province Nord, A. margaretae does not occur in a protected area. It is recommended to prospect the Bopope area which is the most impacted by bush fires.

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.

Experts

Assessor(s): Tanguy, V., Amice, R., Birnbaum, P., Bruy, D., Dubreuil, M., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Lannuzel, G., Papineau, C., Razafindrakoto, L.

Reviewer(s): Cazé, H.

Contributor(s): Veillon, J.

Facilitator(s): Tanguy, V.