Clinosperma lanuginosa is a solitary, understory to emergent, tree palm endemic of New Caledonia, that is restricted to the north-east of Grande Terre. Clinosperma lanuginosa occurs in wet, often low, shrubby mountain forest on soils derived from schistose rocks from 800-1250 m asl. The population estimation is unknown and its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) respectively equal to 28 and 56 km² with three locations. Therefore, considering the potential impact of destruction of seeds by rats and destruction of habitats by pigs and the small population, Clinosperma lagunosa is considered Endangered (EN) B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v) with a decline of the quality of habitat and number of mature individuals.

Geographical area

Clinosperma lanuginosa is an endemic tree palm where it is known from three sub populations that are restricted in the northeast of Grande Terre in New Caledonia (from Ignambi, Mt.Panié to Roche Ouaième).

Population

The population estimation is unknown but field observations report a population not abundant with isolated individuals. The number of subpopulation is estimated to three.

Habitat

Clinosperma lanuginosa occurs in wet, often low, shrubby mountain forest on soils derived from schistose rocks from 800-1250 m asl.

Threats

The main threat comes from the degradation of forest habitat caused by pigs and the destruction of seeds by rats.

Conservation

Clinosperma lanuginosa is not protected in any local legislation but it occurs in one reserve: Mont Panié. This species would benefit from ex-situ and in-situ emergency conservation actions. Prospection of the species at Roche Ouaième, Mont Panié, multiplication tests, control of invasive species and its listing in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) are recommended.

Bibliography

Pintaud, J.C. 1999. Phylogénie, biogéographie et écologie des palmiers de Nouvelle-Calédonie.

Pintaud, J.-C., & Baker, W. J. 2008. A Revision of the Palm Genera (Arecaceae) of New Caledonia.. Kew bulletin(63) , p.61-73.

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.

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): Warimavute, G., Maura, J., Tanguy, V.