Taxonomy
Dendrobium cymatoleguum
Synonyms
Dendrobium schinzianum Kraenzl.Red List Status -
Vulnerable (VU) , assessed in 26/10/2015Protected species -
in Northern Province
Dendrobium cymatoleguum is an endemic orchid of New Caledonia, restricted to the extreme southern part of Grande Terre (main island). D. cymatoleguum occurs in shrubland on ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range 50-1000 m asl. Due to its distrbution on intensive mining areas, a continuous decline of D. cymatoleguum and its habitat quality is estimated. Total population size is estimated to be fewer than 10,000 mature individuals. Using criteria C, D. cymatoleguum qualifies as Vulnerable (VU) C2a(i).
Geographical area
D. cymatoleguum is an endemic orchid of New Caledonia, restricted to the extreme southern part of Grande Terre (main island).
Population
On every station, D. cymatoleguum is most of the time found as isolated plant (on average 3 plants). Based on experts informations, total population size is estimated to be fewer than 10,000 mature individuals.
Habitat
D. cymatoleguum occurs in shrubland on ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range 50-1000 m asl.
Threats
Main threats to D. cymatoleguum are nickel mining (Vale and Montagnat mining concessions) and bushfires.
Conservation
D. cymatoleguum is protected in Province Nord and Province Sud and occurs in two protected areas : réserve intégrale de la Montagne des Sources and réserve naturelle de la Haute Yaté. In order to monitor the impact of nickel mining on D. cymatoleguum, it is highly recommended to monitor population trends. Concerning populations located on mining areas, it would be necessary to fence a viable population. Ex situ transplantation could also be a solution.
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., Fleurot, D., Frayssinet, I., Garnier, D., Letocart, D., Letocart, I.
Reviewer(s): Tanguy, V.
Contributor(s): Faria, E.
Facilitator(s): Chanfreau, S.