Taxonomy
Red List Status -
Near Threatened (NT) , assessed in 30/09/2016Protected species -
in Southern Province , in Northern ProvinceBasselinia tomentosa is an endemic solitary subcanopy to emergent tree palm, confined in a section of the central chain near the summits of Mt Nakada and Plateau de Dogny in the south central of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. Basselinia tomentosa occurs in low, ridge, humid forest on serpentine soils derived from schistose rocks from 1,000 -1,100 m asl. This species is not globally threatened. On the basis of field observations, total population size is estimated around 1,000 mature individuals with a good regeneration. Therefore using criteria D, B. tomentosa is considered Near Threatened (NT) close to Vulnerable (VU)D1 and D2 as its area of occupancy is close to 20 km².
Geographical area
Basselinia tomentosa is an endemic palm tree, confined in a section of the central chain near the summits of Mt Nakada and Plateau de Dogny in the south central Grande Terre in New Caledonia.
Population
The size of the population is unknown but is estimated to be around 1000 mature individuals. Observation surveys emphasize a good regeneration and an important production of seeds.
Habitat
Basselinia tomentosa occurs in low, ridge, humid forest on serpentine soils derived from schistose rocks from 1,000-1,100 m asl.
Threats
This species is not globally threatened. The main potential impacts come from invasive species : destruction of seeds by rats and habitat damage by wild pigs.
Conservation
Basselinia tomentosa is protected by legislation in Province Nord and Province Sud and it does not occur in any protected areas.
Bibliography
Hodel, D. R., & Pintaud. 1998. The palms of New Caledonia / Les palmiers de Nouvelle-Calédonie..
Pintaud, J.C. 2000. An introduction to the palms of New Caledonia.. Palms(44) , p.132-140.
Pintaud, J.C. 1999. Phylogénie, biogéographie et écologie des palmiers de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Pintaud, J.-C., & Stauffer, F. W. 2011. A revision of the large-flowered group of Basselinia Vieill. sect. Taloua H. E. Moore & Uhl (Arecaceae).. Candollea(66) , p.147-154.
Pintaud, J.-C., & Baker, W. J. 2008. A Revision of the Palm Genera (Arecaceae) of New Caledonia.. Kew bulletin(63) , p.61-73.
Experts
Assessor(s): Amice, R., Canel, J., Ugolini, D., Butin, J., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Garnier, D., Goxe, J., Henry, B., Lespes, A., Letocart, D., Letocart, I., Mercier, B., Tiavouane, J., Veillon, J., Warimavute, G.
Reviewer(s): Tanguy, V.
Facilitator(s): Tanguy, V., Warimavute, G., Maura, J.