Taxonomy
Red List Status -
Endangered (EN) , assessed in 21/07/2016Protected species -
in Southern Province
Cunonia schinziana is an endemic small shrub of the southern part of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. It is found in altitudinal shrubland on ultramafic substrate. The main threats impacting this species come from bushfires which may directly impact two subpopulations, from habitat degradation caused by invasive species (Rusa rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) and feral pig) on another subpopulation as well as mining activities. Its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) being respectively estimated to 32 and 125 km², Cunonia schinziana is considered Endangered (EN) using criteria B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v) with an estimation of 5 locations and a decline of habitat quality and number of individuals.
Geographical area
Cunonia schinziana is restricted to southern Grande Terre from Mont-Huimboldt to Sindoa.
Population
This species is rare. It is known of 4-5 subpopulations.
Habitat
It is found in altitudinal shrubland (600-1,250 m asl) on ultramafic substrate.
Threats
The main threats impacting this species come from bushfires which may directly impact two subpopulations (Vulcain and Ni), from habitat degradation caused by invasive species (Rusa rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) and feral pig) on another subpopulation as well as mining activities (Pic Ningua).
Conservation
Unprotected by legislation, this species is found in several protected areas : Mont Humboldt, Pic Ningua As this species is threatened by bushfires, its stations must be included in the maps of Sécurité Civile. This species would benefit from ex-situ conservation (seeds banking).
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.
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.
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
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): Brinkert, M., Fortune-Hopkins, H., Couhia, J.
Facilitator(s): Maura, J., Tanguy, V.