Cyathopsis violaceospicata is a shrub endemic to the north-western part of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. This species is known from three subpopulations (Kaala, Koniambo, Kouaoua). It is found in degraded shrubland an humid forest on ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range 490-700 m asl. The main threat is presented by ongoing mining activities in the Kaala, Koniambo and Kouaoua areas. The twenty five year projection for mining operations indicates that all individuals may be affected. Cyathopsis violaceospicata is therefore considered as Critically Endangered (CR) under criterion A4c with an inferred population reduction of more than 80% over three generations (75 years) starting in 1970 and projected to 2045.

Geographical area

Cyathopsis violaceospicata is a shrub endemic to the north-western part of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. This species is known from 3 subpopulations (Kaala, Koniambo, Kouaoua).

Population

Population size is unknown. Field surveys recorded mostly isolated plants found in crevices, and only poor regeneration was observed. The twenty five year projection for mining operations indicates that all individuals may be affected.

Habitat

Cyathopsis violaceospicata is found in shrubland and humid forest on ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range of 490-700 m asl.

Threats

The main threat is presented by ongoing mining activities in the Kaala, Koniambo and Kouaoua areas. New Caledonia contains 20 - 30% of the world’s nickel resources and has experienced intense mining activities since the late 19th century which has generated soil erosion (1.2% of bare ground mapped by SPOT5 in 2007). Based on the distribution of metal-rich soils and site accessibility, these threats are predictable and planned (there was a rise in nickel production from 60,000 to 200,000 tonnes per year between 2013 and 2015).

Conservation

Cyathopsis violaceospicata is protected by legislation in Province Nord, but does not occur in any protected area. It is reported that this species is difficult to cultivate. This species would benefit from ex-situ and in-situ emergency conservation actions. It is proposed to preserve a viable population within delimited perimeters in each mining areas. It would be moreover advised to conduct propagation tests in order to assist future planting operations and to prospect actively the Kaala area where the species was observed in 2007 during an survey made by IRD (French Research Institute for Development).

Bibliography

Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.

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.

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.

Virot, R. 1975. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 06 : Epacridacées.

Experts

Assessor(s): Tanguy, V., Veillon, J., Amice, R., Barrière, R., Fleurot, D., Gailhbaud, P., Garnier, D., Suprin, B.

Reviewer(s): Vandrot, H.

Contributor(s): Wulff, A.

Facilitator(s): Chanfreau, S., Tanguy, V.