Taxonomy
Red List Status -
Least Concern (LC) , assessed in 26/10/2018Protected species -
in Northern Province
Metrosideros punctata is an endemic shrub or tree from New Caledonia, where it has a scattered, but wide distribution across Grande Terre. It occurs in dense humid forest or shrubland on ultramafic substrate from 500 to 1,250 m asl. Some subpopulations may be impacted by mining activities, but globally this species does not seem to be threatened. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are estimated at 9,162 and 212 km², respectively. Therefore, M. punctata is listed as Least Concern (LC).
Geographical area
This species is endemic to New Caledonia, where it has a scattered, but wide distributed across Grande Terre, from Mts. Koghis to Forêt de Saille and from Mé Maoya to Mt. Kaala.
Population
Population size is unknown.
Habitat
This shrub or small tree grows in dense humid forest or shrubland on ultramafic substrate from 500 to 1,250 m asl.
Threats
Although some subpopulations may be impacted by mining activities (Michel 38 (SMT), Koniambo (KNS), Kopéto et Camp des Sapins (SLN)), this species does not appear to be threatened.
Conservation
M. punctata is protected by legislation in Province Nord and occurs in numerous protected areas: Forêt de Saille, Mt. Humboldt, Massif du Kouakoué, Mt. Mou, Vallée de la Thy and Montagne des Sources natural reserves, as well as the Rivière Bleue and Côte Oubliée provincial parks.
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.
Dawson J.W. 1992. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 18 : Myrtacées Leptospermoïdées.
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
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.