Taxonomy
Red List Status -
Critically Endangered (CR) , assessed in 30/09/2016Protected species -
in Southern Province , in Northern Province
Basselinia vestita is a clustered, small, understory, shrubby palm that is confined on the summit of Mé Ori in central of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. It occurs in dense humid low forest on serpentine soils derived from ultramafic rocks from 800-950 m asl. Main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by wild pigs and seeds destruction by rats. Its area of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are both equal to 8 km² with one location. A continuing decline has been estimated concerning habitat quality and therefore Basselinia vestita is considered Critically Endangered (CR) according to criteria B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii).
Geographical area
Basselinia vestita is an endemic tree palm that is confined on the summit of Mé Ori in central New Caledonia.
Population
The population is unknown but field observations indicate that the population of Basselinia vestita is not abundant with only one population.
Habitat
Basselinia vestita occurs in dense humid low forest on serpentine soils derived from ultramafic rocks from 800-950 m asl.
Threats
Seeds destruction by rats and habitat damage by wild pigs constitute potential threats and should be followed-up.
Conservation
Basselinia vestita is protected by legislation in province Nord and province Sud but does not occur in a protected area. Prospection on this species is highly recommended to determine the importance rats and pig's impacts on the population and its listing in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) are recommended. This species would benefit from ex-situ conservation actions.
Bibliography
Pintaud, J.-C., & Stauffer, F. W. 2011. A revision of the large-flowered group of Basselinia Vieill. sect. Taloua H. E. Moore & Uhl (Arecaceae).. Candollea(66) , p.147-154.
Pintaud, J.C. 1999. Phylogénie, biogéographie et écologie des palmiers de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Pintaud, J.-C., & Baker, W. J. 2008. A Revision of the Palm Genera (Arecaceae) of New Caledonia.. Kew bulletin(63) , p.61-73.
Hodel, D. R., & Pintaud. 1998. The palms of New Caledonia / Les palmiers de Nouvelle-Calédonie..
Pintaud, J.C. 2000. An introduction to the palms of New Caledonia.. Palms(44) , p.132-140.
Experts
Assessor(s): Amice, R., Canel, J., Ugolini, D., Butin, J., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Garnier, D., Goxe, J., Henry, B., Lespes, A., Letocart, D., Letocart, I., Mercier, B., Tiavouane, J., Veillon, J., Warimavute, G.
Reviewer(s): Tanguy, V.
Facilitator(s): Tanguy, V., Maura, J., Warimavute, G.