Taxonomy
Synonyms
Elaeocarpus thyensis GuillauminRed List Status -
Vulnerable (VU) , assessed in 02/03/2018Protected species -
in Northern ProvinceElaeocarpus comptonii is an endemic tree species from New Caledonia, where it is represented by 3 infraspecific varieties. The species has a scattered distribution across Grande Terre, where it occurs in dense humid forest on ultramafic or volcano-sedimentary soil between 20 and 490 m asl. Known from 8 locations, its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are 2,739 and 40 km², respectively. The main threat is posed by invasive species, causing habitat degradation, and bushfires. Therefore, E. comptonii is listed as Vulnerable(VU) under criteria B1ab(iii,v)+B2ab(iii,v).
Geographical area
E. comptonii is endemic to New Caledonia, where it has a scattered distribution across Grande Terre: from Prony (Yaté) to Ouango (Voh).
Population
Population size is unknown.
Habitat
E. comptonii occurs in dense humid forest on ultramafic and volcano-sedimentary soil between 20 and 490 m asl.
Threats
The main threats are posed by invasive species (rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) and feral pigs (Sus scrofa)), causing habitat degradation, and bushfires.
Conservation
This species is protected by legislation in Province Nord and occurs in two protected areas: Vallée de la Thy and Parc de la Rivière Bleue. It is recommended to inform the local authority responsible for the coordination of the firefighting effort about the presence of the species in the concerned areas. Prospection in Nodéla would also be interesting. Finally, taxonomic studies are recommended to remove remaining doubts in the brachypodus - comptonii - hortensis species group, as well as the validity of three infraspecific varieties of E. comptonii.
Bibliography
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Tirel, C. & Jérémie, J. 1982. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 11 : Eléocarpacées, Monimiacées, Amborellacées, Athérospermatacées, Triméniacées, Chloranthacées.
Morat, P.; Jaffré, T.; Tronchet, F.; Munzinger, J.; Pillon, Y.; Veillon, J.-M. and Chalopin, M. 2012. Le référentiel taxonomique Florical et les caractéristiques de la flore vasculaire indigène de la Nouvelle-Calédonie [The taxonomic database « FLORICAL » and characteristics of the indigenous flora of New Caledonia]. Adansonia sér 3(34) , p.177-219.
Experts
Assessor(s): Amice, R., Bruy, D., Fleurot, D., Gâteblé, G., Garnier, D., Lannuzel, G., Mandaoué, L., Vandrot, H., Hequet, V.
Reviewer(s): Tanguy, V.
Facilitator(s): Meyer, S., Warimavute, G., Barrabé, L.