Melodinus reticulatus is an endemic liana of New Caledonia. This species is only known from Tontouta valley. It is found in shrubland on ultramafic substrate up to 300 m asl. Recurrent bushfires and past and on-going mining activities in the valley (Tomo/Vulcain and Opoué) and road construction contribute to the degradation of the habitat, especially soil erosion. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are estimated to be of 109 km² and 40 km², respectively, while the number of locations is estimated to be three. Melodinus reticulatus is therefore assessed as Endangered (EN) with criteria B1ab(ii,iii,v)+2ab(ii,iii,v) with a continuing decline of the Area of occupancy (AOO), the habitat quality and the number of mature individuals.

Geographical area

Melodinus reticulatus is endemic to New Caledonia where it is only known from Tontouta valley.

Population

The population size is unknown.

Habitat

Melodinus reticulatus is found in shrubland on an ultramafic substrate up to 300 m asl.

Threats

The main threats are recurrent bushfires and past and on-going mining activities in the valley (Tomo/Vulcain and Opoué) and road construction contribute to the degradation of the habitat, especially soil erosion.

Conservation

Melodinus reticulatus is protected by legislation in Province Nord, but does not occur in any protected area. It is recommended to prospect "La vallée de la Tontouta". In terms of protection, while it seems difficult to propose perennial measures as long as the valley will be exploited and to protect the low valley of Tontouta (river forebank, dry forest).

Bibliography

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].

Boiteau Pierre avec collaboration de Lucie Allorge 1982. Flore de la Nouvelle Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 10 : Apocynacées.

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.

Leeuwenberg, A. J. M. 2003. Series of Revisions of Apocynaceae LIII. Melodinus.. JSTOR(73(1)) , p.3-63.

Experts

Assessor(s): Amice, R., Bruy, D., Butin, J., Cazé, H., Fleurot, D., Héquet, V., Bernard-Musmann, M., Goxe, J., Lagrange, A., Lannuzel, G., Laudereau, C., Vandrot, H.

Reviewer(s): Pillon, Y.

Facilitator(s): Meyer, S., Warimavute, G., Fourdrain, A.