Taxonomy
Synonyms
Acianthopsis corniculata (Rendle) Szlach. • Acianthopsis corniculata (Rendle) M.A.Clem. & D.L.JonesRed List Status -
Vulnerable (VU) , assessed in 20/11/2020Protected species -
in Southern Province , in Northern Province
Acianthus corniculatus is an endemic geophytic orchid of New Caledonia with a scattered distribution across the Grande Terre. This species occurs in dense humid forest on gneiss substrate at an altitudinal range of 250 and 950 m asl. A. corniculatus is known from seven localities and its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are 3555 and 40 km², respectively. The main threat is posed by invasive species (feral pigs (Sus scrofa) and Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis)) causing habitat degradation. Therefore, Acianthus corniculatus is listed as Vulnerable (VU) under criteria B1ab(iii)+B2ab(iii) with a decline of the quality of habitat.
Geographical area
Acianthus corniculatus is endemic to New Caledonia where it has a scattered distribution across the Grande Terre.
Population
Population size is unknown. Field observations indicate a species locally abundant at Parc des Grandes Fougères.
Habitat
Acianthus corniculatus occurs in dense humid forest on gneiss substrate at an altitudinal range of 250 and 950 m asl.
Threats
The main threat is posed by invasive species (feral pigs (Sus scrofa) and Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis)) causing habitat degradation. The cutting of vegetation for trail maintenance is also a threat for the species growing along the trails.
Conservation
Acianthus corniculatus is protected by legislation in New Caledonia and it does occur in one protected area: Parc des Grande Fougères. It is recommended to inform the Conservatoire d'espaces naturels de Nouvelle-Calédonie (New Caledonia natural spaces conservatory), which coordinates the New Caledonian Invasive Species Programme, on the presence of the species in the concerned areas and to carry out awareness-raising actions nearby the users
Bibliography
Jones, D.L., Clements, M.A., Sharma, I.K., Mackenzie, A.M. & Molloy, B.P.J. 2002. Nomenclatural notes arising from studies into the tribe Diurideae (Orchidaceae). The Orchadian(13) , p.437-468.
Kores, P. 1995. A systematic study of the genus « Acianthus » (Orchidaceae : Diurideae) . Allertonia(7(3)) , p.87-220.
Munzinger J., Morat Ph., Jaffré T., Gâteblé G., Pillon Y., Rouhan G., Bruy, D., Veillon J.-M., & M. Chalopin 2020. FLORICAL: Checklist of the vascular indigenous flora of New Caledonia [continuously updated].
Hallé N.; Aubréville A.; Leroy J. F.; 1977. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 08 : Orchidaceae.
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Experts
Assessor(s): Bruy, D., Butin, J., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Héquet, V., Laudereau, C., Mandaoué, L., Vandrot, H.
Reviewer(s): Cazé, H.
Facilitator(s): Meyer, S., Warimavute, G.