Dendrobium butinii is a terrestrial species on volcano-sedimentary substrate but also an epiphytic or sometimes a saxicolous orchid, endemic of New Caledonia. It has a dispersed distribution in Grande Terre. This species occurs in humid forest, along creek on palm trees in Tchamba. It grows at an altitudinal range of 400 and 850 m asl. This species is not rare but it does not seem globally threatened. However some subpopulations can be potentially impacted by bushfires. Its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) being estimated to be 52 and 3,824 km², respectively, and it is known from a small number of locations. Therefore, Dendrobium butinii is considered Near Threatened (NT) close to VU B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v) with an estimated decline of habitat quality and mature individuals.

Geographical area

Dendrobium butinii is endemic to New Caledonia where it has a dispersed distribution in Grande Terre.

Population

The population size is unknown. Field observations indicate the species is not rare.

Habitat

Dendrobium butinii is a terrestrial species on volcano-sedimentary substrate but also an epiphytic or sometimes a saxicolous orchid. It occurs in humid forest, along creek on palm trees in Tchamba at an altitudinal range of 400 and 800 m asl.

Threats

Some subpopulations can be potentially impacted by bushfires (Penari, Forêt de Sailles) and by invasive species (feral pigs, Sus scrofa and Rusa deer), which contribute to the decline of the habitat quality.

Conservation

Dendrobium butinii is protected by legislation in Province Nord and it does occur in three protected areas: Forêt de Saille, Côte Oubliée, Mont Panié.

Bibliography

Pignal, M. & Munzinger, J. 2020. Morphological and anatomical investigation of New Caledonian graminoid Dendrobium (Orchidaceae) with the description of two new species. European Journal of Taxonomy(633) , p.1-26.

Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.

Munzinger J., Morat Ph., Jaffré T., Gâteblé G., Pillon Y., Rouhan G., Bruy, D., Veillon J.-M., & M. Chalopin 2020. FLORICAL: Checklist of the vascular indigenous flora of New Caledonia [continuously updated].

Experts

Assessor(s): Bruy, D., Butin, J., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Héquet, V., Laudereau, C., Mandaoué, L., Vandrot, H.

Reviewer(s): Cazé, H.

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