Taxonomy
Red List Status -
Vulnerable (VU) , assessed in 21/07/2016Cunonia 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.