Taxonomy
Synonyms
Metrosideros engleriana var. microphylla Schltr. • Metrosideros balansae Brongn. & Gris ex GuillauminRed List Status -
Vulnerable (VU) , assessed in 26/10/2018Protected species -
in Northern Province
Metrosideros microphylla is an endemic small tree from New Caledonia, where it is restricted to the south of Grande Terre. It occurs in high elevation low forest and shrubland on ultramafic substrate above 700 m asl. This species is currently threatened by bushfires. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are estimated at 1,271 and 104 km², respectively, and the number of locations is estimated to be 10. Therefore, M. microphylla is listed as Vulnerable (VU) under criteria B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v).
Geographical area
This species is endemic to New Caledonia, where it is restricted to the summits of the south of Grande Terre, from Mts. Koghis to Mt. Nakada.
Population
Population size is unknown.
Habitat
This shrub or small tree grows in high elevation low forest or shrubland on ultramafic substrate above 700 m asl.
Threats
The main threat to this species is bushfires on a few locations (Thy, Montagne des Sources, Forêt de Saille). Besides, like other high elevation species, it could be impacted by climate change in the future.
Conservation
M. microphylla is protected by legislation in Province Nord and occurs in three protected areas: massif du Kouakoué, Mt. Humboldt, Forêt de Saille, Mt. Mou, Montagne des Sources and Vallée de la Thy natural reserves, as well as the Côte Oubliée provincial park. It is recommended to inform the DSCGR (government department overseeing firefighting actions) on the presence of the species in the concerned areas. Besides, further prospection is suggested on pic Ningua and Dent de Saint Vincent.
Bibliography
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Dawson J.W. 1992. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 18 : Myrtacées Leptospermoïdées.
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.
Experts
Assessor(s): Amice, R., Bruy, D., Butin, J., Cazé, H., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Gâteblé, G., Goxe, J., Henry, B., Héquet, V., Lagrange, A., Lannuzel, G., Mandaoué, L., Pillon, Y., Veillon, J.
Reviewer(s): Vandrot, H.
Facilitator(s): Warimavute, G., Meyer, S.