Menepetalum cathoides is an endemic shrub of New Caledonia with a scattered distribution between southern the Massif du Sud and the eastern coast of Grande Terre. This species is known from four subpopulations. It is found in dense humid forest on ultramafic substrate, from 1100 to 1500 m. The main threats identified are Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) and feral pigs (Sus scrofa). Its extent of occurence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are estimated to 845 and 20 km², respectively, while its number of location is equal to four. Ainsi M. cathoides is considered as Endangered (EN) B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii) with an estimated decline of the AOO, the habitat quality and the number of mature individuals.

Geographical area

M. cathoides is endemic to New Caledonia where it has a scattered distribution between southern the Massif du Sud and the eastern coast of Grande Terre. It is known from four subpopulations (Mé Maoya, Djiaouma, Mt Coumboui and Humbolt).

Population

Population size is unknown.

Habitat

M. cathoides occurs in dense humid forest on ultramafic substrate, from 1,100 to 1,500 m.

Threats

The main threats identified are Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) and feral pigs (Sus scrofa).

Conservation

M. cathoides is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia and it does occur in two protected areas: Nodela and Mont Humboldt. 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 sub-population. 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 in high altittudes are needed are needed are needed are needed to confirm the presence of the species and to better estimated its population.

Bibliography

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

Morat, P. 1996. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 20 : Celastraceae, Loranthaceae, Alseuocmiaceae, Paracryphiaceae, Tiliaceae.

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.

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): Warimavute, G., Meyer, S., Barrabé, L.