Taxonomy
Synonyms
Geissois montana var. pubescens GuillauminRed List Status -
Vulnerable (VU) , assessed in 21/07/2016Geissois balansae is an endemic small tree of New Caledonia. It is found in dense humid forest on volcano-sedimentary substrate at mid altitude. The main threats impacting this species come from habitat degradation caused by bushfires and invasive species (Rusa rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) and feral pigs). Its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) being respectively estimated to 72 and 3,042 km², Geissois balansae is considered Vulnerable (VU) using criteria B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v) with an estimation of fewer than 10 locations and a decline of habitat quality and number of individuals.
Geographical area
This species is restricted to the central chain in New Caledonia, from Sarraméa to Ponérihouen. Its presence on the Koghis should be confirmed.
Population
It is known from 6-8 subpopulations.
Habitat
It is found in dense humid forest on volcano-sedimentary substrate at mid altitude (350-600 m asl).
Threats
The main threats impacting this species come from habitat degradation caused by bushfires and invasive species (Rusa rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) and feral pigs).
Conservation
Unprotected by legislation, this species is found in protected areas : Aoupinié, Vallée de la Thy (if presence confirmed). It is therefore recommended to carry further studies to confirm or infirm the presence of this species (or hybrid) on the Koghis mountain.
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): Couhia, J., Fortune-Hopkins, H., Brinkert, M.
Facilitator(s): Tanguy, V., Maura, J.