Taxonomy
Red List Status -
Critically Endangered (CR) , assessed in 21/07/2016Protected species -
in Southern Province
Codia xerophila is an endemic shrub of New Caledonia restricted to southern Grande Terre in Païta. It is found in coastal sclerophyllous forest on volcano-sedimentary substrate. The main threats impacting this species are urbanization (Nouméa) with nearby planned developement projects (marina) and recreational activities (seashore) generating human presence and thus the risk of bushfires. ITs population size is estimated to be around 100 mature individuals. Its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) being both estimated to 4 km², Codia xerophila is Critically Endangered (CR) under criteria B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v)+2ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v); C2a(ii) as it occurs at only one location and there is a continuing decline in all the subcriteria.
Geographical area
This species is restricted to a single locality in Païta in southern Grande Terre in New Caledonia.
Population
It is known of a single population estimated around 100 mature individuals.
Habitat
It is found in sclerophyllous forest on the seaside on volcano-sedimentary substrate at an altitude 2-12 m asl.
Threats
The main threats impacting this species are urbanization (Nouméa) with nearby planned developement projects (marina) and recreational activities (seashore) generating human presence and thus the risk of bushfires.
Conservation
Unprotected by legislation, this species is not found in any protected area. Prospections have already been carried in the vicinity of Nouré, without success. As this species is threatened by bushfires, its stations must be included in the maps of Sécurité Civile. This species would benefit from emergency conservation actions : ex-situ conservation (seeds banking and experimenting germination tests) and transplanting it to a second place and in-situ by implementing a protected area on this small patch of dry forest.
Bibliography
H. C. F. Hopkins, J. C. Bradford, B. Donovan, Y. Pillon, J. Munzinger, B. Fogliani 2015. Floral biology of the Cunoniaceae in New Caledonia and the role of insects, birds and geckos as potential pollinators.
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.
Hopkins H.C.F., Pillon Y. & Hoogland R. 2015. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 26 : Cunoniaceae.
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Experts
Assessor(s): Pillon, Y., Bruy, D., Butin, J., Fleurot, D., Gâteblé, G., Héquet, V., Letocart, D., Letocart, I., Tanguy, V., Tiavouane, J., Tron, F.
Reviewer(s): Fogliani, B.
Contributor(s): Brinkert, M., Couhia, J., Fortune-Hopkins, H.
Facilitator(s): Tanguy, V., Maura, J.