Taxonomy
Synonyms
Storckiella vitensis sensu GuillauminRed List Status -
Endangered (EN) , assessed in 19/02/2016Protected species -
in Southern Province , in Northern Province
Storckiella neocaledonia is an endemic tree/shrub of Grande Terre (Avangui, Tontouta, Dumbéa) in New Caledonia. It is found in shrubland and dense humid forest on an ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range 10-200 m asl. On-going mining activities in Tontouta valley may indirectly impact some subpopulations. However, the main threat identified is linked to the habitat degradation linked to uncontrolled bushfires. Population size is unknown. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are respectivey estimated to be of 1,150 km² and 36 km² with an estimation of five locations. Storckiella neocaledonia is therefore assessed as Endangered (EN) with criteria B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v) with a continuing decline of habitat quality and mature individuals.
Geographical area
Storckiella neocaledonia is an endemic tree/shrub of Grande Terre (Avangui, Tontouta, Dumbéa) in New Caledonia.
Population
Population size is unknown.
Habitat
It is found in shrubland and dense humid forest on an ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range 10-200 m asl.
Threats
On-going mining activities in Tontouta valley may indirectly impact some subpopulations. However, the main threat identified is linked to the habitat degradation linked to uncontrolled bushfires (Avangui, Tontouta, Dumbéa). They sweep across lowlands of New Caledonia each year, especially during the dry season (an average of 20,000 ha of land is burnt each year, with dramatic peaks of 70,000 ha).
Conservation
Storckiella neocaledonia is protected by the code de l'environnement of province Nord but not by province Sud. legislation. It occurs in one protected area : Parc provincial de la Haute-Dumbéa. It is recommended to ensure the follow-up of known sub-populations and to enhance prospections in Tontouta valleys. It is presumed that ex-situ reproduction is feasible.
Bibliography
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.
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.
Experts
Assessor(s): Tanguy, V., Veillon, J., Bruy, D., Dubreuil, M., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Lagrange, A., Lannuzel, G.
Reviewer(s): Amice, R.
Contributor(s): Wulff, A.
Facilitator(s): Tanguy, V., Chanfreau, S.