Taxonomy
Red List Status -
Endangered (EN) , assessed in 21/07/2016Protected species -
in Southern Province
Cunonia pseudoverticillata is an endemic small shrub of the southern part of Grande Terre (restricted to Montagne des Sources and Mont Kouakoué) in New Caledonia. It is found in altitudinal shrubland on ultramafic substrate. The main threat impacting this species comes from bushfires which may directly impact one subpopulation. Its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) being both estimated to 16 km², Cunonia pseudoverticillata is considered Endangered (EN) using criteria B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v) with an estimation of 3 locations (2 for Montagne des Sources and 1 for Kouakoué) and a decline of habitat quality and number of individuals.
Geographical area
Cunonia pseudoverticillata is restricted to the southern part of Grande Terre in New Caledonia : Montagne des Sources and Mont Kouakoué
Population
This species is rare and very few individuals have been observed (around 10 on Kouakoué and Montagne des Sources). It is however difficult to estimate the population size.
Habitat
It is found in altitudinal shrubland (750-1,400 m asl) on ultramafic substrate.
Threats
The main threat impacting this species comes from bushfires which may directly impact one subpopulation (Montagne des Sources).
Conservation
Unprotected by legislation, this species is found in two protected areas : Massif du Kouakoué, Montagne des sources As this species is threatened by bushfires, its stations must be included in the maps of Sécurité Civile. The implementation of a "plan de protection de massif" on Montagne des Sources would be very benefic. It is difficult to bring recommendations for ex-situ conservation as this altitudinal species is known of very few individuals. Seeds banking feasibility should be assessed.
Bibliography
Helen Fortune Hopkins, Yohan Pillon, Ruurd Hoogland 2015. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie : Cunoniaceae.
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.
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.
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): Maura, J., Tanguy, V.