Taxonomy
Synonyms
Acianthopsis heptadactyla (Kraenzl.) Szlach.Red List Status -
Vulnerable (VU) , assessed in 11/09/2015Protected species -
in Southern Province , in Northern Province
Acianthus heptadactylus is an endemic geophyte orchid of New Caledonia, distributed on Grande Terre from Dumbéa to Hienghène. A. heptadactylus occurs in high altitude humid forest on degradated ferralitic crust at an altitudinal range 500-1250 m asl. From field observations, A. heptadactylus has been listed as 'rare' where it occurs with an average sub-population size of 2-3 mature individuals. According to experts, population size is estimated to be fewer than 1,000 mature individuals. Using criteria D, A. heptadactylus qualifies as Vulnerable (VU) D1.
Geographical area
Acianthus heptadactylus is an endemic geophyte orchid of New Caledonia, distributed on Grande Terre from Dumbéa to Hienghène.
Population
From field observations done by local experts, A. heptadactylus has been listed as 'rare' where it occurs with an average sub-population size of 2-3 mature individuals. With a size ranging from 20 to 30 mature individuals, Mont Mou sub-population seems to be the largest. According to experts, population size is estimated to be fewer than 1,000 mature individuals.
Habitat
A. heptadactylus occurs in high altitude humid forest on degradated ferralitic crust at an altitudinal range 500-1250 m asl.
Threats
A. heptadactylus does not appear threatened.
Conservation
A. heptadactylus is protected by legislation in Province Nord and Province Sud and occurs in numerous protected areas : réserve naturelle du Mont Do, réserve naturelle du Pic Ningua, réserve naturelle du Mont Mou, réserve de nature sauvage du Mont Panié, réserve de nature sauvage du massif de l’Aoupinié, Parc des Grandes Fougères, réserve naturelle du massif du Kouakoué, réserve naturelle de la Haute Dumbéa, réserve naturelle de la Vallée de la Thy
Bibliography
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.
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): 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.