Taxonomy
Dendrobium petrophilum
Synonyms
Eria petrophila Kraenzl.Red List Status -
Endangered (EN) , assessed in 20/11/2020Protected species -
in Northern Province
Dendrobium petrophilum is an endemic saxicolous orchid of New Caledonia restricted to the far north of Grande Terre. This species was first observed by Däniker in 1925 and recent prospection has managed to relocate the species more than 90 years later. It is known from three subpopulations: Arama, Vache creuvée and Golone. The species occurs between rocks at an altitude range of 60 and 400 m asl. The main threat is the impact bushfires frequent in this area. Its area of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are estimated to be 34 and 28 km², while the number of locations is estimated to be three. Therefore, Dendrobium petrophilum is assessed as Endangered (EN) B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v) with an estimated decline of habitat quality and number of mature individuals.
Geographical area
Dendrobium petrophilum is endemic to New Caledonia where it is restricted to the far north of Grande Terre. This species was first observed by Däniker in 1925 and recent prospection has managed to relocate the species more than 90 years later. It is known from three subpopulations : Arama, Vache creuvée and Golone.
Population
Population size is unknown.
Habitat
Dendrobium petrophilum occurs between rocks at an altitude range of 60 and 400 m asl.
Threats
The main threat is the impact bushfires frequent in this area that contribute to the decline of the habitat.
Conservation
Dendrobium petrophilum is protected by legislation in Province Nord and it does not occur in any protected area. This species should be included in Province Sud legislation for a better protection of the species. It is recommended to inform the DSCGR (emergency services), responsible for the coordination of the firefighting effort, on the presence of the species in the concerned areas.
Bibliography
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.
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].
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): Warimavute, G., Meyer, S.