Taxonomy
Acropogon megaphyllus
Synonyms
Sterculia megaphylla Bureau & J.Poiss. ex GuillauminRed List Status -
Endangered (EN) , assessed in 28/01/2016Protected species -
in Southern Province , in Northern Province
Acropogon megaphyllus is an endemic small tree of the south of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. This species is known from only two close populations (Koghis, vallée de la Thy). It is found in dense humid forest on various substrates at an altitude of 200-700 m asl. The threats to A. megaphyllus are linked to poor regeneration due to the fruit predation by rats. Its area of occupancy (AOO) and its extent of occurrence (EOO) are both estimated to be 12 km² while the number of locations is 2. Using criteria B, A. megaphyllus does qualify for Endangered (EN) B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii).
Geographical area
Acropogon megaphyllus is an endemic small tree of the south of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. This species is known from only two close populations (Koghis, vallée de la Thy).
Population
Found as isolated individuals, population size is estimated to be fewer than 1,000 individuals. Poor natural regeneration has been observed.
Habitat
This species is found in dense humid forest on various substrates at an altitude of 200-700 m asl.
Threats
The threats to A. megaphyllus are linked to poor regeneration due to the fruit predation by rats (cf photo on www.endemia.nc). Another threat is linked to fire which impact progressively the forest edges.
Conservation
Protected species by lesislation in province Nord but not in province Sud, A. megaphyllus occurs in réserve naturelle de la Vallée de la Thy. It is recommended to count the number of individuals and to study measures which could be taken against rats.
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.
Experts
Assessor(s): Tanguy, V., Amice, R., Birnbaum, P., Bruy, D., Dubreuil, M., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Lannuzel, G., Papineau, C., Razafindrakoto, L.
Reviewer(s): Cazé, H.
Contributor(s): Veillon, J.
Facilitator(s): Tanguy, V.