Taxonomy
Red List Status -
Critically Endangered (CR) , assessed in 08/11/2022
Porpax sp4 is an endemic epiphytic orchid found in the north-west of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. This species is known from a single massif (Taom). It grows on tree trunks found in altitudinal forests (1,050-1,080 m asl.). The main threats are potential impact of mining activity at Taom massif. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are both estimated to be of 4 km² while the number of locations is estimated to be 1. Porpax sp4 is therefore assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) with criteria B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v) with a continuing decline of AOO, habitat quality and number of mature individuals.
Geographical area
Porpax sp4 is endemic to New Caledonia where it is known from a single massif (Taom) of the north west of Grande Terre.
Population
The population size is not known.
Habitat
This species occurs on tree trunks found in altitudinal forests (1,050-1,080 m asl.).
Threats
The main threats are potential impact of mining activity at Taom massif.
Conservation
Porpax sp4 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
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].
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.
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): Fourdrain, A., Warimavute, G.