Taxonomy
Asplenium oligolepidum
Red List Status -
Least Concern (LC) , assessed in 30/10/2019
Asplenium oligolepidum is an endemic epiphytic or saxicolous fern from New Caledonia, where it is widely distributed across Grande Terre. It grows in dense humid forest on ultramafic or volcano-sedimentary substrate from 250 to 1,350 m asl. Although some subpopulations could be impacted by mining activities, this species is common and does not seem to be threatened. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are 8,683 and 148 km², respectively. Therefore, A. oligolepidum is listed as Least Concern (LC).
Geographical area
A. oligolepidum is endemic to New Caledonia, where it is widely distributed across Grande Terre, from Plaine des Lacs to Mt. Mandjélia.
Population
Population size is unknown, but field observation indicate that this species is common.
Habitat
This epiphytic or saxicolous fern usually grows in mid or high elevation dense humid forest on ultramafic or volcano-sedimentary substrate from 500 to 1,350 m asl, but has also been observed lower (250 m asl).
Threats
Although some subpopulations could be impacted by mining activities (Camp des Sapins, Goro), this species is common and does not seem to be threatened.
Conservation
A. oligolepidum is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia, but it occurs in numerous protected areas: Vallée de la Thy, Pic du Grand Kaori, Montagne des Sources, Haute Yaté, Massif du Kouakoué, Mont Mou, Mont Humboldt, Pic Ningua, Forêt de Saille, Nodéla and Aoupinié natural reserves, as well as Côte Oubliée, Haute Dumbéa and Rivière Bleue provincial parks.
Bibliography
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Brownlie G. 1969. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et Dépendances, Volume 03 : Pteridophytae.
Munzinger J., Morat Ph., Jaffré T., Gâteblé G., Pillon Y., Rouhan G., Bruy, D., Veillon J.-M., & M. Chalopin. 2019. FLORICAL: Checklist of the vascular indigenous flora of New Caledonia..
Experts
Assessor(s): Amice, R., Butin, J., Cazé, H., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Héquet, V., Perrie, L., Suprin, B., Vandrot, H.
Reviewer(s): Rouhan, G.
Facilitator(s): Meyer, S., Warimavute, G.