Taxonomy

endemique
protegee
UICN

Synonyms

Mearnsia porphyrea (Schltr.) DielsMetrosideros porphyrea var. lucia Bonati & Petitm.

Red List Status -

Near Threatened (NT) , assessed in 26/10/2018

Protected species -

in Northern Province

Metrosideros porphyrea is an endemic shrub or tree from New Caledonia, where it has a scattered distribution across Grande Terre. It occurs in high elevation dense humid forest or shrubland on ultramafic or volcano-sedimentary substrates above 900 m asl. Some subpopulations may be impacted by habitat degradation by feral pigs, but overall this threat is unlikely to be having a significant impact on the species. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are estimated at 4,094 and 60 km², respectively, and it could be said to occur at a limited number of locations. Therefore, M. porphyrea is precautionarily listed as Near Threatened (NT), close to Vulnerable under criteria B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii).

Geographical area


This species is endemic to New Caledonia, where it has a scattered distribution across Grande Terre: mostly in the south (from Yaté to Forêt de Saille), as well as the Tonine and Kantalupaik massifs in the north.

Population


Population size is unknown.

Habitat


This shrub or small tree grows in high elevation dense humid forest or shrubland on ultramafic or volcano-sedimentary substrate above 900 m asl.

Threats


Except some subpopulations, which may be impacted by habitat degradation by feral pigs (Sus scrofa), this species does not appear to be threatened. Besides, like other high elevation species, it could be impacted by climate change in the future.

Conservation


M. porphyrea is protected by legislation in Province Nord and occurs in seven protected areas: Forêt de Saille, Mt. Humboldt, Massif du Kouakoué, Mt. Mou, Montagne des Sources and Barrage de Yaté natural reserves, as well as the Côte Oubliée provincial park.

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.

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

Dawson J.W. 1992. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 18 : Myrtacées Leptospermoïdées.

Experts


Assessor(s): Amice, R., Bruy, D., Butin, J., Cazé, H., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Gâteblé, G., Goxe, J., Henry, B., Héquet, V., Lagrange, A., Lannuzel, G., Mandaoué, L., Pillon, Y., Veillon, J.

Reviewer(s): Vandrot, H.

Facilitator(s): Warimavute, G., Meyer, S.


Geographical distribution