Celtis balansae is a shrub endemic to New Caledonia where it has a scattered distribution in the south of Grande Terre. It occurs between Nakutakoin (the southern limit) to Mont Tendé (the upper limit). This species grows in dry forests on volcano-sedimentary substrate up to 400 m asl. The main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by invasive species such as Rusa Deer (Rusa timorensis)), uncontrolled bushfires. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are respectively estimated to be of 3,525 km² and 40 km² while the number of locations is estimated to be seven. Celtis balansae is therefore assessed as Vulnerable (VU) with criteria B1ab (iii,v)+2ab(iii,v) with a continuing decline of of its habitat quality and number of mature individuals.

Geographical area

Celtis balansae is endemic to New Caledonia where it has a scattered distribution in the south of Grande Terre. It occurs between Nakutakoin (the southern limit) to Mont Tendé (the upper limit).

Population

The population size is not known.

Habitat

This species grows in dry forests on volcano-sedimentary substrate up to 400 m asl.

Threats

The main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by invasive species such as Rusa Deer (Rusa timorensis)), uncontrolled bushfires.

Conservation

Celtis balansae is protected by legislation in Province Nord and Province Sud but it does not occur in any protected areas. 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

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].

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): Amice, R., Bruy, D., Cazé, H., Garnier, D., Laudereau, C., Mandaoué, L., Eltabet, N., Vandrot, H.

Reviewer(s): Gâteblé, G.

Facilitator(s): Fourdrain, A., Warimavute, G.