Taxonomy
Archirhodomyrtus paitensis
Synonyms
Myrtus paitensis Schltr.Red List Status -
Vulnerable (VU) , assessed in 17/11/2017
Archirhodomyrtus paitensis is an endemic shrub from New Caledonia, where it has a scattered distribution across Grande Terre. This species is found in shrubland, gallery forest edges and dense humid forest up to 1,300 m asl. Known from 9 locations, its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are estimated to be 3,755 and 40 km², respectively. The main threats to this species are mining activities and recurrent bushfires. Therefore, A. paitensis is listed as Vulnerable (VU) under criteria B1ab(ii,iii,v)+2ab(ii,iii,v).
Geographical area
A. paitensis is endemic to New Caledonia, where it has a scattered distribution across Grande Terre : in the northwest (Tiébaghi), the northern center (Ouango) and the south (from Forêt Demazures to Mt. Nékandi).
Population
Population size is unknown.
Habitat
A. paitensis occurs in shrubland, gallery forest edges and dense humid forest up to 1,300 m asl.
Threats
The main threats identified are uncontrolled bushfires and mining activities (Camp des Sapins and Tiébaghi (SLN)).
Conservation
A. paitensis is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia, but it does occur in one protected area: Mont Do. It is proposed that monitoring should occur to ensure the persistence of the known population. To ensure the preservation of a viable population, it is recommended to inform the DSCGR (government departement overseeing firefighting actions) on the presence of the species in the concerned areas. Moreover, it is suggested to promote its growing in nurseries and use in green space planning, as well as raising awareness on this species amongst local stakeholders. Finally, further prospection is suggested on the ultramafic massifs of Grande Terre.
Bibliography
Snow, N. 2009. Kanakomyrtus (Myrtaceae): A new endemic genus from New Caledonia with linear stigma lobes and baccate fruits. Systematic Botany(34) , p.330-344.
Snow N., McFadden J., Evans T.M., Salywon A.M., Wojciechowski M.F. & Wilson P.G. 2011. Morphological and molecular evidence of polyphyly in Rhodomyrtus (Myrtaceae: Myrteae). Systematic Botany(36(2)) , p.390-404.
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Experts
Assessor(s): Amice, R., Butin, J., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Goxe, J., Héquet, V., Lannuzel, G., Suprin, B., Veillon, J.
Reviewer(s): Vandrot, H.
Facilitator(s): Warimavute, G., Tanguy, V.