Taxonomy
Saribus jeanneneyi
Synonyms
Pritchardiopsis jeanneneyi Becc.Red List Status -
Critically Endangered (CR) , assessed in 30/09/2016Protected species -
in Southern Province
Saribus jeanneneyei is a solitary, moderate, understory to canopy, tree palm endemic of New Caledonia, known from only one mature specimen in the extreme south of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. It occurs in dense humid forest on soils derived from ultramafic rocks from 200-250m asl. This species was intensively harvested for its edible heart by inmates at Prony Penitentiay in the 1880s. Considered missing since the late 19th century, it was again discovered by a hunter. Prospection indicates that the natural population consists of only one adult individual and a dozen juveniles which makes it the rarest and most endangered New Caledonian palm species due to its small population size in only one site. In this context, this species is subject to an action plan for in-situ and ex-situ conservation actions. Therefore, with an area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) being both estimated to 4 km², Saribus jeanneneyei is considered Critically Endangered (CR) using criteria B1ab (iii,v)+2ab(iii,v), C2a(i,ii), D with an estimation of one location and a decline of habitat quality and number of individuals.
Geographical area
Saribus jeanneneyei is known from only one mature specimen in the extreme south of Grande Terre in New Caledonia.
Population
Recent survey indicates that the natural population consists of only one adult individual and a dozen juveniles.
Habitat
Saribus jeanneneyei occurs in dense humid forest on soils derived fromultramafic rocks from 200-250m asl.
Threats
Ths species was haversted intensively for its edible heart in the 1880s which explains its rarety. Actual threats identified are the impacts of invasive species (rats, rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) and pigs), illegal seed collections and air pollution (sulphur dioxide) rejected by VALE Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Conservation
Sarribus jeanneneyei is protected by legislation in Province Nord and Province Sud and it occurs in one reserve: Forêt Nord. This species is subject to a conservation plan program between the Province Sud, Institut agronomique Néo-Calédonien and Parc de la Rivière Bleue for the protection of infrutescenses, fruits and seeds and control of germination. Conservation actions in Jardin Botanique de Nancy and other botanical garderns are also carried. VALE NC participated in the monitoring and implementation of a fruit protection basket under the former Convention for the Conservation of Biodiversity. In addition, a genetic study on the species has resulted to a production of several recommendations, including: - The crossing of two genetic groups in order to increase the genetic diversity of the progeny and then to ensure ex-situ conservation plantations. A guide was made in this study to guide the selection of individuals from the two genetic groups to be crossed. - Seed cryopreservation in partnership with the KEW Millenium Project. - The realization of an ecological niche modeling study to determine the environmental requirements of this species and thus to identify potential habitats that could host other individuals. Saribus jeanneneyei is recommended to be listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and the efforts on the conservation programs on this species should be continued.
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.