Taxonomy

endemique
UICN

Red List Status -

Vulnerable (VU) , assessed in 21/07/2016

Cunonia cerifera is an endemic shrub/small tree of the south of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. It is found in dense humid forest at low and mid altitude on ultramafic substrate. The main threats impacting this species comes from habitat fragmentation caused by bushfires and mining activities. Its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) being estimated respectively to 44 and 358 km², Cunonia cerifera is considered Vulnerable (VU) using criteria B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v)+2ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v) with an estimation of 8 locations and an estimated decline of all sub-criteria.

Geographical area


Cunonia cerifera is restricted to the south of Grande Terre in New Caledonia.

Population


This species is not common. It is known from 7-8 subpopulations.

Habitat


It is found in dense humid forest at low and mid altitude on ultramafic substrate.

Threats


The main threats impacting this species comes from habitat fragmentation caused by bushfires and mining activities.

Conservation


Unprotected by legislation, this species is found in numerous protected areas : Pic du Pin, Forêt cachée, Pic du grand Kaori. it is recommended to follow-up populations as there are few individuals. Protecting legally this species (on the Code de l'Environnement of province Sud) would be beneficial.

Bibliography


Helen Fortune Hopkins, Yohan Pillon, Ruurd Hoogland 2015. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie : Cunoniaceae.

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. The taxonomic database « FLORICAL » and characteristics of the indigenous flora of New Caledonia. Adansonia(334) , p.177-219.

H. C. F. Hopkins, J. C. Bradford, B. Donovan, Y. Pillon, J. Munzinger, B. Fogliani 2015. Floral biology of the Cunoniaceae in New Caledonia and the role of insects, birds and geckos as potential pollinators.

Experts


Assessor(s): Pillon, Y., Bruy, D., Butin, J., Fleurot, D., Gâteblé, G., Hequet, V., Letocart, D., Letocart, I., Tanguy, V., Tiavouane, J., Tron, F.

Reviewer(s): Fogliani, B.

Contributor(s): Fortune-Hopkins, H., Brinkert, M., Couhia, J.

Facilitator(s): Tanguy, V., Maura, J.


Geographical distribution