Menepetalum salicifolium is an endemic shrub of New Caledonia restricted in the north east of Grande Terre. This species is known from three subpopulations (Mandjelia, Ignambi and Massif de Tonnon). It is found in dense humid forest on volcano-sedimentary substrate, from 500 to 1,040 m asl. The main threats identified are fire and invasive species (Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) and feral pigs (Sus scrofa)). Its extent of occurence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are estimated to 46 et 16 km², respectively, while its number of location is equal to three. Ainsi M. salicifolium is considered as Endangered (EN) B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v) with an estimated decline of habitat quality and number of mature individuals.

Geographical area

M. salicifolium is endemic to New Caledonia where it is restricted in the north east of Grande Terre. This species is known from three subpopulations (Mandjelia, Ignambi and Massif de Tonnon).

Population

Population size is unknown.

Habitat

M. salicifolium occurs in dense humid forest on volcano-sedimentary substrate, from 500 to 1,040 m asl.

Threats

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

Conservation

M. salicifolium is protected by legislation in Province Nord and it does occur in one protected area: Mont Panié. 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 on other northeastern summits are needed are needed to confirm the presence of the species and to better estimated its population.

Bibliography

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.

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.