Elaeodendron parvifolium is a narrow endemic shrub found in the northwestern part of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. This species is only known from a single population : Taom Massif. It is found in shrubland on ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range 700-1000 m asl. The main threat is presented by ongoing mining activities in Taom Massif. The twenty five year projection for mining operation indicate that a majority of individuals may be affected. Its extent of occurrence and area of occupancy are equal to 20 km² while the species is known to exist at only a single locality. Elaeodendron parvifolium is therefore considered Endangered (EN) according to criteria B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v)+2ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v) with an estimation of 2 locations and a continuing decline of all concerned sub-criteria.

Geographical area

Elaeodendron parvifolium is a narrow endemic shrub found in the northwestern part of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. This species is only known from a single population : Taom Massif.

Population

Population size is unknown. Field surveys emphasize mostly isolated plants.

Habitat

Elaeodendron parvifolium is found in shrubland on ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range 700-1000 m asl.

Threats

The main threat is presented by ongoing mining activities in Taom Massif. The twenty five year projection for mining operation indicate that a majority of individuals may be affected. New Caledonia contains between 20 - 30% of the world’s nickel resources and has experienced intense mining activities since the late 19th century which has generated soil erosion (1.2% of bare ground mapped by SPOT5 in 2007). Based on the distribution of metal-rich soils and site accessibility, these threats are predictable and planned (rise in nickel production from 60,000 to 200,000 tonnes per year between 2013 and 2015).

Conservation

Elaeodendron parvifolium is protected by legislation in Province Nord but it does not occur in any protected area. It is recommended to prospect Koniambo area in order to confirm observations by herbarium specimen and surrounding massifs such as Gacim and Oua Tilou.

Bibliography

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.

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.

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

Experts

Assessor(s): Tanguy, V., Veillon, J., Amice, R., Barrière, R., Fleurot, D., Gailhbaud, P., Garnier, D., Suprin, B.

Reviewer(s): Vandrot, H.

Contributor(s): Wulff, A.

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