Syzygium veillonii is an endemic shrub/tree of New Caledonia, restricted to the centre of Grande Terre. It is known from four subpopulations. It occurs in dry forest on ultramafic substrates (Gohapin) and soils composed of clay rocks dotted with calcareous rocks up to 143 m asl. The population size is unknown, but field observation indicate the species is locally common in Nekoro. The main threats identified are bushfires, which are thought to be causing habitat degradation and declines. Its Extent of Occurrence (EOO) and Area of Occupancy (AOO) are 719 and 16 km², respectively, with an estimation of four locations. Therefore, S. veillonii is listed as Endangered (EN) under criteria B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v).

Geographical area

Syzygium veillonii is endemic to New Caledonia, where it restricted to the centre of Grande Terre. It is known from four subpopulations: Gohapin, Avangui, Forêt de Nekoro and creek Aymes (Moindou).

Population

Population size is unknown but field observations indicate a species locally common in Nekoro.

Habitat

S. veillonii occurs in dry forest on ultramafic substrates (Gohapin) and soils composed of clay rocks dotted with calcareous rocks up to 143 m asl.

Threats

The main threats identified are bushfires causing a degradation of its habitat quality.

Conservation

This species is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia and it does not occur in any protected areas. This species should be included in the regional legislation for a better protection of the species and ex situ and in situ conservation efforts are urgently needed, in particular : ensuring the follow-up of the known sub-populations and preserving it on delimited perimeters. The local authority responsible for the coordination of the firefighting effort should be informed about the presence of the species in the concerned areas. Because the subpopulation of S. veillonii is located on privately owned land in Moindou, raising awareness to the owners would be advised. Finally it is recommended to improve the knowledge of the species by realising prospections and collecting more herbarium specimens to better estimate its status.

Bibliography

Dawson J.W. 1999. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 23 : Myrtaceae Myrtoideae 1 : Syzygium.

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): Héquet, V., Vandrot, H., Barrabé, L., Amice, R., Butin, J., Cazé, H., Fleurot, D., Suprin, B., Chambrey, C., Laudereau, C., Haverkamp, C., Fogliani, B.

Reviewer(s): Gâteblé, G.

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