Taxonomy
Red List Status -
Endangered (EN) , assessed in 02/05/2019
Acropogon mesophilus is an endemic tree, growing up to 15 m high, restricted to the south-west of Grande Terre. It is known from 3 subpopulations: Ouaménie, Pocquereux and La Foa. This species occurs along mesophilous rivers on volcano-sedimentary substrates, from 40-200 m asl. This species is threatened by Rusa Deer, feral pigs and agricultural activity, which all contribute to the decline of its habitat quality. Its Extent of Occurrence (EOO) and Area of Occupancy (AOO) are both estimated to be 16 km² with a number of locations equal to three. Therefore A. mesophilus is considered Endangered under criteria B1ab(ii,iii,v)+2ab (ii,iii,v), with a decline of the concerned sub-criteria.
Geographical area
A.mesophilus is endemic to New Caledonia and it is known from 3 subpopulations (Ouaménie, Pocquereux and La Foa) restricted in the south west of Grande Terre.
Population
Population size is unknown. Base on field observations, this species is locally abundant. However, in all populations surveyed, there were no young Acropogon trees observed, only adults.
Habitat
A.mesophilus occurs along mesophilous forest rivers on volcano-sedimentary substrates, between 40-200 m asl.
Threats
A. mesophilus is threatened by Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis), feral pigs (Sus scrofa) and agricultural activity (farming and agriculture) that contribute to the decline of its habitat quality.
Conservation
A. mesophilus is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia and does not occur in a protected area. However an enclosed area was made to protected one part of La Foa's subpopulations against the Rusa deer 's threat. It is recommended to inform the Conservatoire d'espaces naturels de Nouvelle-Calédonie (New Caledonia natural spaces conservatory), CEN, which coordinates the New Caledonian Invasive Species Programme, on the presence of the species in the concerned areas.This species grows easily in nurseries. It is recommanded to use this species in landscaping areas and to continue to raise awarness amongs the local population.
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.
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Gâteblé G. & Munzinger, J. 2017. Novitates neocaledonicae VI: Acropogon mesophilus (Malvaceae, Sterculioideae), a rare and threatened new species from the mesic forest of New Caledonia. Phytotaxa(307 (3)) , p.183-190.
Experts
Assessor(s): Amice, R., Butin, J., Cazé, H., Garnier, D., McCoy, S., Veillon, J., Gâteblé, G., Fleurot, D., Laudereau, C., Suprin, B., Héquet, V., Bruy, D., Vandrot, H.
Reviewer(s): Lannuzel, G.
Facilitator(s): Warimavute, G., Meyer, S.