Graptophyllum ophiolithicum is an endemic small shrub of the north-western part of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. This species is only known from a single population at Ouazangou-Taom Massif (Mount Homédéboa). It is found in shrubland on ultramafic substrates at an altitudinal range 800-900 m asl. Although present on an utramafic massif, G. ophiolithicum does not seem to be impacted by ongoing mining activities. However, future mining development is still a threat and possible exploitation of Mount Homédéboa might cause this species to quickly become Critically Endangered. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are equal to 4 km², and so G. ophiolithicum is considered as Vulnerable (VU) under criterion D2.

Geographical area

Graptophyllum ophiolithicum is an endemic small shrub (50 cm high) of the north-western part of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. This species is only known from a single population at Ouazangou-Taom Massif (Mount Homédéboa).

Population

Population size is unknown.

Habitat

Graptophyllum ophiolithicum is found in shrubland on ultramafic substrates at an altitudinal range 800-900 m asl.

Threats

Although it occurs on an utramafic massif, Graptophyllum ophiolithicum does not seem to be impacted by ongoing mining activities. However, future mining development is still a threat on that massif. Soil erosion due to past mining activities could be an additional threat.

Conservation

Graptophyllum ophiolithicum is protected by legislation in Province Nord, but does not occur in any protected area. It is recommended to conduct searches in order to overcome the issue of the few and old herbarium data available for this species. It seems important to ensure monitoring of the only known population regarding to the active mining activities in this area and how possible exploitation of Mount Homédéboa might cause this species to become Critically Endangered.

Bibliography

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.

Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.

L'Huillier L.; Jaffré T. and Wulff A. 2010. Mines et Environnement en Nouvelle-Calédonie : les milieux sur substrats ultramafiques et leur restauration.

Wulff AS, Hollingsworth PM, Ahrends A, Jaffré T, Veillon J-M, L’Huillier L, et al. 2013. Conservation Priorities in a Biodiversity Hotspot: Analysis of Narrow Endemic Plant Species in New Caledonia.

Experts

Assessor(s): Tanguy, V., Veillon, J., Amice, R., Barrière, R., Chambrey, C., Fleurot, D., Lannuzel, G.

Reviewer(s): Vandrot, H.

Contributor(s): Wulff, A.

Facilitator(s): Chanfreau, S., Tanguy, V.