Taxonomy
Sphaeropteris albifrons
Synonyms
Cyathea interjecta Baker • Cyathea lenormandii Vieill. ex Baker
Cyathea albifrons Vieill. ex E.Fourn.
Red List Status -
Least Concern (LC) , assessed in 10/06/2017Protected species -
in Southern Province
Sphaeropteris albifrons is an endemic tree fern of New Caledonia, widespread across Grande Terre from Tiébaghi in the north to Forêt Nord in the south. It occurs in dense humid forest on ultramafic substrate, at an altitudinal range of 190-1,020 m asl. This species does not seem globally threatened. With an extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) respectively equal to 10,668 and 212 km², Sphaeropteris albifrons is considered Least Concern (LC).
Geographical area
Sphaeropteris albifrons is an endemic tree fern of New Caledonia, widespread across Grande Terre from Tiébaghi in the north to Forêt Nord in the south.
Population
Population is noted scarce by experts but seems to have a good regeneration throughout the whole territory. Population size is unknown.
Habitat
Sphaeropteris albifrons occurs in dense humid forest and shrubland and forest border on ultramafic substrate, at an altitudinal range of 190-1,020 m asl.
Threats
There is no threat identified.
Conservation
Sphaeropteris albifrons is protected by legislation in Province Sud and occurs in several protected areas: Vallée de la Thy, Chutes de la Madeleine, Haute Yaté, Nodela, Mont Do, Foret Nord, Pic du grand Kaori, Montagne des sources, Forêt cachée, Forêt de Saille, Haute Dumbéa, Parc des Grandes Fougères, Aoupinié, la Dumbéa, Rivière bleue.
Bibliography
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.
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Experts
Assessor(s): Amice, R., Barrabé, L., Cazé, H., Chambrey, C., Garnier, D., Héquet, V., Letocart, D., Letocart, I.
Reviewer(s): Perrie, L., Tanguy, V.
Facilitator(s): Tanguy, V., Maura, J., Warimavute, G.