Taxonomy
Pleurocalyptus austrocaledonicus
Synonyms
Fremya austrocaledonica Vieill. ex Guillaumin • Xanthostemon austrocaledonicus GuillauminRed List Status -
Vulnerable (VU) , assessed in 17/11/2017
Pleurocalyptus austrocaledonicus is an endemic tree from New Caledonia, where it has a scattered distribution on the east coast and the center of Grande Terre. This species is found in dense humid forest and riverine vegetation on various substrates (ultramafic, volcano-sedimentary and calcareous) up to 700 m asl. Known from 8 locations, its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are estimated to be 3,871 and 40 km², respectively. The main threat to this species is recurrent bushfires. Therefore, P. austrocaledonicus is listed as Vulnerable (VU) under criteria B1ab (iii,v)+2ab(iii,v).
Geographical area
P. austrocaledonicus is endemic to New Caledonia, where it has a scattered distribution on the east coast (from Port Bouquet to Ponandou) and the center of Grande Terre (mount Pembaï, col des Roussettes).
Population
Population size is unknown, but field observations indicate that the species is not common.
Habitat
P. austrocaledonicus occurs in dense humid forest and riverine vegetation on various substrates (ultramafic, volcano-sedimentary and calcareous) up to 700 m asl.
Threats
The main threat to this species is uncontrolled bushfires that contribute to habitat degradation.
Conservation
P. austrocaledonicus is not protected by any legislation in New Caledonia and it does not occur in any protected areas. It is recommended to inform the DSCGR (government department overseeing firefighting actions) on the presence of the species in the concerned areas.
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.
Experts
Assessor(s): Amice, R., Butin, J., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Goxe, J., Héquet, V., Lannuzel, G., Suprin, B., Veillon, J.
Reviewer(s): Vandrot, H.
Facilitator(s): Warimavute, G., Tanguy, V.