Diospyros impolita is an endemic shrub of New Caledonia discontinuously spread on the west coast of Grande Terre. It is found in dry forest at low altitude on schistose and calcareous substrates. The main threats impacting this species come from habitat fragmentation linked to uncontrolled bushfires and vegetation degradation caused by invasive species (Rusa rusa deer (Rusa timorensis)). Its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) being estimated respectively to 48 and 564 km², Diospyros impolita is considered Endangered (EN) using criteria B1ab(ii,iii,v)+2ab(ii,iii,v) with an estimation of four locations and an estimated decline of AOO, habitat quality and number of mature individuals.

Geographical area

Diospyros impolita is an endemic shrub of New Caledonia discontinuously spread on the west coast of Grande Terre (from Presqu'île Montagnès to Moindou-Poya). It was previously (1900) known around Nouméa (Saint-Louis).

Population

Population size is unknown.

Habitat

It is found in dry forest at low altitude (2-250 m asl) on schistose and calcareous substrates.

Threats

The main threats impacting this species come from habitat fragmentation linked to uncontrolled bushfires and vegetation degradation caused by invasive species (Rusa rusa deer (Rusa timorensis)).

Conservation

This species is protected by legislation in Province Nord and Province Sud. It does not occur in any legally protected area but it is known in a fenced area (Deva). As this species is threatened by bushfires, its stations must be included in the maps of Sécurité Civile. It is recommended to inform the "Forêt Sèche" conservation programme so that efforts on dry forest protection (fencing, restoration) are pursued.

Bibliography

White F.; Vink W. 1993. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 19 : Ebenacaeae-Winteraceae.

Munzinger J., Morat Ph., Jaffré T., Gâteblé G., Pillon Y., Tronchet F., Veillon J.-M. and M. Chalopin 2016. FLORICAL: Checklist of the vascular indigenous flora of New Caledonia. vers. 22.IV.2016.

Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.

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): Schatz, G., Amice, R., Bruy, D., Butin, J., Cazé, H., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Héquet, V., Lowry, P., Suprin, B., Tanguy, V., Vandrot, H., Veillon, J.

Reviewer(s): Maura, J.

Facilitator(s): Tanguy, V., Warimavute, G.