Taxonomy
Synonyms
Dracophyllum gracile Brongn. & Gris • Dracophyllum thiebautii Brongn. & GrisRed List Status -
Endangered (EN) , assessed in 09/06/2017Protected species -
in Southern Province , in Northern Province
Dracophyllum cosmelioides is an endemic shrub restricted in the south of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. It is found in open shrubland riverbanks on an ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range 160-200 m asl. The species is threatened by on-going mining activities in the Goro area. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are respectively estimated to be of 73 and 28 km² with an estimation of three locations (Rivière des Lacs, Creek Pernod and Goro). Dracophyllum cosmelioides is therefore assessed as Endangered (EN) with criteria B1ab(i,ii,iii,v)+2ab(i,ii,iii,v) with a continuing decline of all the concerned criteria.
Geographical area
Dracophyllum cosmelioides is endemic to New Caledonia where it is restricted in the south of Grande Terre..
Population
The population size in unknown but 60% of the population is estimated to be present on mining sites of Goro Vale NC.
Habitat
Dracophyllum cosmelioides occurs in open shrubland riverbanks on an ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range of 160-200 m asl.
Threats
Dracophyllum cosmelioides is threatened by on-going mining activities in the Goro area (VALE).
Conservation
Dracophyllum cosmelioides is protected by legislation in province Nord. It does not occur in any protected area. This species would benefit from emergency in situ and ex situ conservation measures. It is needed to follow-up existing populations and regeneration and preserve a viable population on a mining sites areas. Protecting the wetlands of plaine des Lacs recently recognized by RAMSAR through a management plan would be benefic to this species.
Bibliography
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. 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.
Munzinger J., Morat Ph., Jaffré T., Gâteblé G., Pillon Y., Tronchet F., Veillon J.-M. and M. Chalopin 2016. FLORICAL: Checklist of the vascular indigenous flora of New Caledonia. vers. 22.IV.2016.
Venter, S. 2004. Dracophyllum mackeeanum (Ericaceae: Richeeae), a new species from New Caledonia Dracophyllum mackeeanum (Ericaceae: Richeeae), a new species from New CaledoniaDracophyllum mackeeanum (Ericaceae: Richeeae), a new species from New Caledonia Dracophyllum mac. New Zealand Journal of Botany (42) , p.4.
Virot, R. 1975. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 06 : Epacridacées.
Experts
Assessor(s): Amice, R., Barrabé, L., Cazé, H., Chambrey, C., Garnier, D., Héquet, V., Letocart, D., Letocart, I.
Reviewer(s): Veillon, J.
Contributor(s): Vandrot, H.
Facilitator(s): Maura, J., Warimavute, G., Tanguy, V.