Taxonomy
Alsophila stelligera
Synonyms
Cyathea stelligera HolttumRed List Status -
Vulnerable (VU) , assessed in 10/06/2017Protected species -
in Southern Province
Alsophila stelligera is an endemic tree fern of New Caledonia, spread from Colnett in nord east to Mia (Canala) in the north of Grande Terre. It occurs in dense humid forest on ultramafic substrate, at an altitudinal range of 300-720 m asl. The main threat impacting this species comes from direct impact (consumption) caused by invasive species (rusa deer (Rusa timorensis russa)), which may lead to a lack of regeneration, in particular in Dogny and Col des roussettes / Bouirou area. Its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) being respectively estimated to 88 and 2,685 km², while the number of locations is estimated to be ten. Alsophila stelligera is therefore assessed as Vulnerable (VU) with criteria B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v) with a continuing decline of habitat quality and numer of mature individuals.
Geographical area
Alsophila stelligera is an endemic tree fern of New Caledonia, spread from Colnett in north east to Mia (Canala) in the south of Grande Terre.
Population
It is known from eleven subpopulations: Colnett, Wewec, Tao, Ouaïème, Bopope, Tchamba /Amoa, Gohapin, Bouirou/Col des Roussettes, Parc des Grandes Fougères, Dogny, Mia.
Habitat
Alsophila stelligera occurs in dense humid forest on ultramafic and volcano-sedimentary substrate, at an altitudinal range of 300-720 m asl.
Threats
The main threat impacting this species comes from direct impact (consumption) caused by invasive species rusa deer (Rusa timorensis russa)), which may lead to a lack of regeneration, in particular in Dogny and Col des rousettes / Bouirou area.
Conservation
Alsophila stelligera is protected by legislation in Province Sud and occurs in three protected areas: Mont Panié, Aoupinié, Parcs des Grandes Fougères. It is recommended to inform the Conservatoire d'espaces naturels de Nouvelle-Calédonie (New Caledonia natural spaces conservatory), which coordinates the New caledonian Invasive Species Programme, on the situation of the species in the concerned areas. Plus prospection in the near by areas is recommended.
Bibliography
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Brownlie G. 1969. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et Dépendances, Volume 03 : Pteridophytae.
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., Barrabé, L., Cazé, H., Chambrey, C., Garnier, D., Héquet, V., Letocart, D., Letocart, I.
Reviewer(s): Tanguy, V., Perrie, L.
Facilitator(s): Warimavute, G., Tanguy, V., Maura, J.