Porpax lydwineae is an newly described epiphyte orchid, endemic from New Caledonia. This species is only known from Mt Goro Ate Mekebo, at the north-east of Grande Terre. It grows on tree trunks found in forests at an altitudinal range of 600-650 m asl. The main threats are potential impact of uncontrolled bushfires. Other potential threats are illegal harvest of the species in its natural habitat. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are both estimated to be of 4 km² while the number of location is estimated to be 1. Porpax lydwineae is therefore assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) with criteria B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v) with a continuing decline of habitat quality and number of mature individuals.

Geographical area

Porpax lydwineae is endemic to New Caledonia where it is only known from Mt Goro Ate Mekebo, at the north-east of Grande Terre.

Population

The population size is not known.

Habitat

This species occurs on tree trunks found in forests in forests at an altitudinal range of 600-650 m asl.

Threats

The main threats are potential impact of uncontrolled bushfires. Other potential threats are illegal harvest of the species in its natural habitat.

Conservation

Porpax lydwineae is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia and it does not occur in any protected area. it is recommended to prospect further based on the newly developed comprehensive key for the Porpax Genus identification (2023).

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.

Pignal, M., C. Laudereau & P.-L. Laudereau 2023. Revision of the genus Porpax (Orchidaceae, Podochileae) in New Caledonia.. Candollea(78) , p.17-26.

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): Amice, R., Bruy, D., Cazé, H., Garnier, D., Laudereau, C., Mandaoué, L., Eltabet, N., Vandrot, H.

Reviewer(s): Gâteblé, G.

Facilitator(s): Warimavute, G., Fourdrain, A.