Taxonomy
Synonyms
Lyperanthus polytrichus GuillauminRed List Status -
Endangered (EN) , assessed in 11/09/2015Protected species -
in Southern Province , in Northern Province
Calochilus neocaledonicus is an endemic geophyte orchid of New Caledonia, distributed from Prony to Kopéto on Grande Terre. Calochilus neocaledonicus occurs in full sun in open shrubland and arid crest at an altitudinal range 400-1300 m. asl. From field observations, population size is estimated to be fewer than 2,500 mature individuals. Due to the threats of mining activities and bushfire, a continuous decline of its habitat quality and size population is estimated. Using criteria C, C. neocaledonicus qualifies as Endangered EN C2a(i).
Geographical area
Calochilus neocaledonicus is an endemic geophyte orchid of New Caledonia, distributed from Prony to Kopéto on Grande Terre.
Population
Calochilus neocaledonicus constitutes little population within station. From field observations, population size is estimated to be fewer than 2,500 mature individuals.
Habitat
Calochilus neocaledonicus occurs in full sun in open shrubland and arid crest at an altitudinal range 400-1300 m. asl.
Threats
The main threats to C. neocaledonicus are ongoing mining activities at Goro and Camp des Sapins, and, according to its distribution and its geophyte nature, also bushfires. Past mining activities on the Paéoua massif and possible future one on the Tchingou massif could also threaten or have threatened the species.
Conservation
C. neocaledonicus is protected by legislation in Province Nord and Province Sud and occurs in some protected areas such as réserve naturelle du Mont Do, réserve naturelle du Mont Humboldt, réserve naturelle du massif du Kouakoué, Parc provincial de la Rivière Bleue. It is required to conduct field surveys on old stations never seen since collection and to put under protection (e.g. fence) population located on mining sites.
Bibliography
Hallé N.; Aubréville A.; Leroy J. F.; 1977. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 8: Orchidaceae.
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
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.