Cocconerion balansae is an endemic tree of New Caledonia, restricted to the Massif du Sud, in the south of Grande Terre. It is found in dense humid forest or forest border in ultramafic substrate, from 300 to 800 m asl. The main threats identified are uncontrolled bushfires and feral pigs. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are respectively estimated to be of 40 and 418 km² while the number of locations is estimated to be five. C. balansae is therefore assessed as Endangered (EN) with criteria B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v) with a continuing decline of habitat quality and number of individuals.

Geographical area

C. balansae is endemic to New Caledonia where it is restricted to the Massif du Sud, in the south of Grande Terre.

Population

Population size is unknown.

Habitat

C. balansae occurs in dense humid forest or forest border on ultramafic substrate, from 300 to 800 m asl.

Threats

The main threats identified are uncontrolled bushfires and feral pigs (Sus scrofa).

Conservation

C. balansae is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia and it occurs in three protected areas: Rivière bleue, Haute Yaté and Montagne des Sources. This species should be included in the regional legislation for a better protection of the species. This species would benefit from ex situ and in situ emergency conservation actions and also awarness amongs the local population. It is proposed to ensure the follow-up of the only known subpopulation. It is also recommended to inform the DSCGR (emergency services), responsible for the coordination of the firefighting effort, on the presence of the species in the concerned area. Plus prospections at the base of Koniambo massifs are needed are needed to confirm the presence of the species and to better estimate its population size.

Bibliography

McPherson G.D & Tirel C. 1987. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 14: Euphorbiaceae I.

Munzinger J., Morat Ph., Jaffré T., Gâteblé G., Pillon Y., Tronchet F., Veillon J.-M. and M. Chalopin 2016. FLORICAL: Checklist of the vascular indigenous flora of New Caledonia. vers. 22.IV.2016.

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

Experts

Assessor(s): Amice, R., Bruy, D., Butin, J., Cazé, H., Chambrey, C., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Gâteblé, G., Goxe, J., Hequet, V., Veillon, J.

Reviewer(s): Lannuzel, G.

Facilitator(s): Barrabé, L., Warimavute, G., Meyer, S.