Taxonomy
Melaleuca gnidioides
Synonyms
Melaleuca bonatiana Schltr. • Melaleuca acicularis Brongn. & Gris ex GuillauminRed List Status -
Near Threatened (NT) , assessed in 17/11/2017
Melaleuca gnidioides is an endemic shrub or tree from New Caledonia, where it is restricted to the south of Grande Terre. This species occurs in shrubland, lower riverine or wetland vegetation on ultramafic substrate between 150 m and 700 m asl. Known from more than 10 locations, its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) are estimated to 68 km² and 1,007 km², respectively. This species does not seem directly threatened at the moment, although some subpopulations may be impacted by recurrent bushfires and mining activities. Therefore, Melaleuca gnidioides is listed as Near Threatened (NT) close to VU B1ab(i,ii,iii,v)+2ab(i,ii,iii,v).
Geographical area
M. gnidioides is endemic to New Caledonia, where it is restricted in the south of Grande Terre, from Forêt de Saille to Plaine des Lacs.
Population
Population size is unknown.
Habitat
M. gnidioides occurs in shrubland, lower riverine or wetland vegetation on ultramafic substrate between 150 m and 700 m asl.
Threats
This species does not seem to be threatened at the moment, although some subpopulations may be impacted by uncontrolled bushfires and mining activities (Goro (Vale)).
Conservation
M. gnidioides is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia but it does occur in several protected areas: Rivière Bleue, Haute Yaté, Barrage de Yaté, Forêt de Saille, Haute Pourina, Chutes de la Madeleine and Montagne des sources.
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.