Taxonomy
Red List Status -
Near Threatened (NT) , assessed in 11/09/2015Protected species -
in Northern Province
Acianthus atepalus is a endemic geophyte orchid of New Caledonia, mostly distributed in the southern part of Grande Terre from Yaté to Dent de Saint Vincent and also found in Boulinda and Ménazi. Acianthus atepalus occurs in mountain humid forest at an altitudinal range 800-1500 m asl. According to field observations of experts, total population size is estimated to be fewer than 2,500 mature individuals. Despite threats of bushfires, mining activities and plant bugs on four out of nine known stations, there is no evidence of a continuous decline. Using criteria D, A. atepalus qualifies as Near Threatened close to Vulenrable (VU) D1.
Geographical area
Acianthus atepalus is an endemic geophyte orchid of New Caledonia, mostly distributed in the southern part of Grande Terre from Yaté to Dent de Saint Vincent and also found in Boulinda and Ménazi.
Population
According to field observations, total population size is estimated to be fewer than 2,500 mature individuals.
Habitat
Acianthus atepalus occurs in mountain humid forest at an altitudinal range 800-1500 m asl.
Threats
A. atepalus is threatened by wild pigs on Mont Bouo station, plant bug in Mont Mou station and possibly by mining activities in Boulinda and Ménazi. Despite existence of those threats on four out of nine known stations, there is no evidence of a continuous decline.
Conservation
A. atepalus is protected by legislation in Province Nord and Province Sud and occurs in protected areas : réserve naturelle du Mont Humboldt, réserve naturelle du Mont Mou, réserve naturelle de la Haute Dumbéa, réserve naturelle du massif du Kouakoué, réserve naturelle de la Vallée de la Thy, réserve intégrale de la Montagne des Sources.
Bibliography
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.
Hallé N.; Aubréville A.; Leroy J. F.; 1977. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 8: Orchidaceae.
Experts
Assessor(s): Butin, J., Laudereau, C., Amice, R., Cazé, H., Fleurot, D., Frayssinet, I., Garnier, D., Goxe, J., Gâteblé, G., Veillon, J., Villegente, J.
Reviewer(s): Tanguy, V.
Contributor(s): Faria, E.
Facilitator(s): Chanfreau, S.