Virotia angustifolia is an endemic monocaulous shrub from New Caledonia, growing up to 4 m high. It is restricted to the north-western part of Grande Terre, at Tiebaghi. It is found in shrubland and humid forest on ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range of 100 and 540 m asl. The main threat is presented by ongoing mining activities in the Tiebaghi area. The twenty five year projection for mining operations indicates that most of the individuals may be affected. This species is also impacted by bushfires at the lower altitudinal range. The population size is estimated to be approximately 3000 mature individuals. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are equal to 72 and 72 km² while the number of location is equal to 2. Using criterion B and estimating a continuing decline in its Extent of Occurrence (EOO), its Area of Occupancy (AOO), its habitat quality and the number of mature individuals, Virotia angustifolia is assessed as Endangered (EN) B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v) + 2ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v) with a decline of all the concerned subcriteria.

Geographical area

Virotia angustifolia is endemic to New Caledonia where it is restricted to the north-western part of Grande Terre, at Tiebaghi.

Population

The population size is estimated to be approximately 3000 mature individuals.

Habitat

Virotia angustifolia occurs in shrubland and humid forest on ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range of 100 and 540 m asl.

Threats

The main threat is presented by ongoing mining activities in the Tiebaghi area. The twenty five year projection for mining operations indicates that most of the individuals may be affected. This species is also impacted by bushfires at the lower altitudinal range.

Conservation

Virotia angustifolia is protected by legislation in New Caledonia and it does not occur in a protected area. It is recommended to inform the DSCGR (emergency services), responsible for the coordination of the firefighting effort, on the presence of the species in the concerned areas.

Bibliography

HOPKINS, H.C.F. & Y. PILLON 2020. Virotia azurea (Proteaceae: Macadamieae), a striking new species endemic to New Caledonia and notes on V. francii and V. leptophylla. Candollea(75) , p.89-98.

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

HOPKINS, H.C.F. & Y. PILLON 2020. Virotia azurea (Proteaceae: Macadamieae), a striking new species endemic to New Caledonia and notes on V. francii and V. leptophylla. Candollea(75) , p.89-98.

Munzinger J., Morat Ph., Jaffré T., Gâteblé G., Pillon Y., Rouhan G., Bruy, D., Veillon J.-M., & M. Chalopin 2020. FLORICAL: Checklist of the vascular indigenous flora of New Caledonia [continuously updated].

Virot, R. 1968. Flore de la Nouvelle Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 02 : Protéacées.

Experts

Assessor(s): Amice, R., Bruy, D., Butin, J., Cazé, H., Fleurot, D., Héquet, V., Lannuzel, G., Laudereau, C., Mandaoué, L., Vandrot, H., Gâteblé, G.

Reviewer(s): Veillon, J.

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