Taxonomy

Lepidocupania glabra (Adema) Buerki, Callm., Munzinger & Lowry
endemique
protegee
UICN

Synonyms

Cupaniopsis glabra Adema

Red List Status -

Critically Endangered (CR) , assessed in 29/02/2016

Protected species -

in Southern Province , in Northern Province

Cupaniopsis glabra is an endemic shrub/tree restricted to the valley of Tontouta on Grande Terre in New Caledonia. A single population is known. It is found in shrubland (close to creeks) on an ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range 50-100 m asl. Recurrent bushfires and on-going mining activities in the valley contribute to the degradation of the habitat, especially to erosion. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are both estimated to be of 16 km² with an estimation of one location. Cupaniopsis glabra is therefore assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) with criteria B1ab(iii,v) with a continuing decline of habitat quality and number of mature individuals.

Geographical area


Cupaniopsis glabra is an endemic shrub/tree restricted to the valley of Tontouta on Grande Terre in New Caledonia.

Population


This species is not common. Population size is unknown.

Habitat


It is found in shrubland (close to creeks) on an ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range 50-100 m asl.

Threats


Recurrent bushfires and on-going (and past) mining activities in the valley (Tomo and Vulcain by SMGM, Opoué by SLN) contribute to the degradation of the habitat, especially to erosion. Uncontrolled fires sweep across lowlands of New Caledonia each year, especially during the dry season (an average of 20,000 ha of land is burnt each year). New Caledonia contains 20-30% of the world’s nickel resources. Intense mining activities since the late 19th century have generated soil erosion (1.2% of bare ground mapped by SPOT5 in 2007). Based on the distribution of metal-rich soils and site accessibility, these threats are predictable and planned (rise in nickel production from 60,000 to 200,000 tonnes per year between 2013 and 2015).

Conservation


Cupaniopsis glabra is protected by the code de l'environnement of province Nord and province Sud. It does not occur in any protected area. This species would benefit from emergency in-situ and ex-situ conservation measures. Prospections are needed to enhance knowledge of the species distribution and allow the follow-up of existing populations. It is recommended to improve the phenologic study (good germination rate but difficult to conserve seeds). In terms of protection, while it seems difficult to propose perennial measures as long as the valley will be exploited, it is proposed to protect some areas of the valley of Tontouta. It is moreover recommended to gather mining actors to get an inventory of protection measures already implemented and to try to launch a collaboration between institutions (DIMENC and DENV) and mining operators (SLN, Ballande, SMGM) in order to preserve the Tontouta flora.

Bibliography


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

Wulff AS, Hollingsworth PM, Ahrends A, Jaffré T, Veillon J-M, L’Huillier L, et al. 2013. Conservation Priorities in a Biodiversity Hotspot: Analysis of Narrow Endemic Plant Species in New Caledonia.

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.

L'Huillier L.; Jaffré T. and Wulff A. 2010. Mines et Environnement en Nouvelle-Calédonie : les milieux sur substrats ultramafiques et leur restauration.

Experts


Assessor(s): Tanguy, V., Veillon, J., Amice, R., Cazé, H., Chambrey, C., Dubreuil, M., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Lagrange, A., Lannuzel, G., Leborgne, T., Letocart, D., Letocart, I., McCoy, S., Villegente, J.

Reviewer(s): Maura, J.

Contributor(s): Wulff, A.

Facilitator(s): Tanguy, V.


Geographical distribution