Taxonomy
Synonyms
Dendrobium megalorhizum Kraenzl.Red List Status -
Near Threatened (NT) , assessed in 11/09/2015Protected species -
in Northern ProvinceDendrobium sarcochilus is an endemic orchid of New Caledonia, widespread from the north to the south of Grande Terre (main island) as well as in Belep. D. sarcochilus occurs in dense humid forest and thalweg on ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range 10-1,000 m asl. Based on experts information, total population size is estimated to be close to 10,000 mature individuals. Due to the threats of nickel mining and bushfire, a continuous decline of D. sarcochilus and its habitat quality is estimated. Using criteria C, D. sarcochilus qualifies as Near Threatened (NT) close to Vulnerable C2a(i).
Geographical area
D. sarcochilus is an endemic orchid of New Caledonia, widespread from the north to the south of Grande Terre (main island) as well as in Belep.
Population
There is no known detailed population information about D. sarcochilus but based on experts knowledge, population by station are rather dense and total population size is estimated to be close to (but more than) 10,000 mature individuals.
Habitat
D. sarcochilus occurs in dense humid forest and thalweg on ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range 10-1,000 m asl.
Threats
Due to its habitat type, nickel mining constitute the main threat to D. sarcochilus. Bushifre is also a threat to D. sarcochilus.
Conservation
D. sarcochilus is protected in Province Nord and Province Sud. D. sarcochilus occurs in several protected areas : réserve naturelle du Mont Do, réserve naturelle du Mont Humboldt, Parc Provincial de la Rivière Bleue, réserve naturelle du massif du Kouakoué, réserve naturelle du barrage de Yaté, réserve naturelle du massif du Kouakoué, réserve naturelle de la Haute Dumbéa, réserve naturelle de la Haute Yaté. Due to the estimated decline of northwestern populations located on ultramafic moutains, it is highly recommended to fence a part of population on each massif.
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.
Hallé N.; Aubréville A.; Leroy J. F.; 1977. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 8: Orchidaceae.
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Experts
Assessor(s): Butin, J., Laudereau, C., Amice, R., Cazé, H., Fleurot, D., Frayssinet, I., Garnier, D., Goxe, J., Gâteblé, G., Veillon, J., Villegente, J.
Reviewer(s): Tanguy, V.
Contributor(s): Faria, E.
Facilitator(s): Chanfreau, S.