Taxonomy

endemique
protegee
UICN

Red List Status -

Endangered (EN) , assessed in 28/06/2016

Protected species -

in Southern Province , in Northern Province

Corybas echinulus is an endemic terrestrial orchid found in the southern part of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. This species is known from Mont Mou to Mont Nengoné. It is found in humid forest or in shrubland on ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range 180-975 m asl. Main identified threat is linked to habitat damage by invasive species (feral pigs). Its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) being estimated respectively to 52 and 1,899 km², Corybas echinulus is considered Endangered (EN) using criteria B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii) with an estimation of five locations and an estimated decline of its habitat quality.

Geographical area


Corybas echinulus is an endemic terrestrial orchid found in the southern part of Grande Terre in New Caledonia.

Population


Population size is unknown. Experts report that Corybas echinulus can form broad sub-populations of several dozens to several hundreds individuals.

Habitat


Corybas echinulus occurs in humid forest or in shrubland on ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range 180-975 m asl.

Threats


The main threat impacting this species come from habitat degradation caused by invasive species (feral pigs) and mining activities. Some subpopulations may be threatened by on-going mining activities: Goro (VALE). Additionnal threat comes from potential mining activities in Pernod mining concession. The habitat of C. echinulus has suffered damages in the past leading to habitat loss and fragmentation but experts report that it do not suffer any further deterioration. C. echinulus sub-populations seems stable today.

Conservation


Corybas echinulus is not protected in Province Nord and Province Sud but occurs in two protected areas : Mont Mou, Rivière bleue. It is recommended to prospect further based on the newly developed comprehensive key for the Corybas Genus identification (2016).

Bibliography


Faria E. 2016. Diversité du genre Corybas Salisb. (Orchidaceae, Diurideae) en Nouvelle-Calédonie. Adansonia(38) , p.175-198.

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.

Hallé N.; Aubréville A.; Leroy J. F.; 1977. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 8: Orchidaceae.

Experts


Assessor(s): Laudereau, C., Butin, J., Antheaume, C., Cazé, H., Cazé, H., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Gâteblé, G., Maura, J.

Reviewer(s): Tanguy, V.

Facilitator(s): Maura, J., Tanguy, V.


Geographical distribution