Taxonomy
Xylosma capillipes
Red List Status -
Endangered (EN) , assessed in 27/10/2017Protected species -
in Southern Province , in Northern Province
Xylosma capillipes is endemic to New Caledonia, restricted to the southern east coast of Grande Terre. This shrub is found in dense humid forest undergrowth, on steep ultramafic slopes from 100 m to 800 m asl. Known from five locations, its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are estimated at 1,123 km² et 32 km², respectively. The main threats are mining activities and uncontrolled bushfires. Therefore, X. capillipes is listed as Endangered (EN) under criteria B1ab(ii,iii,v)+2ab(ii,iii,v).
Geographical area
X. capillipes is endemic to New Caledonia, where it is restricted to the southern east coast of Grande Terre.
Population
Total population size is unknown. However, field prospections indicate small and scarce subpopulations.
Habitat
X. capillipes occurs in dense humid forest undergrowth, on steep ultramfic slopes, from 100 m to 800 m asl.
Threats
Main threats include uncontrolled bushfires and mining activities at Nakéty (SMT & NMC), Kouaoua (SLN) and Menazi (SLN).
Conservation
X. capillipes is protected by legislation in Province Sud and Province Nord and occurs in one protected area: Barrage de Yaté. This species is cultivated at the IAC (Institut Agronomique de Nouvelle-Calédonie) nursery of Saint-Louis.This species would benefit from ex situ and in situ emergency conservation actions. It is recommended to monitor and preserve known populations on part of the mining site, and to inform the local authority responsible for the coordination of the firefighting effort about the presence of the species in the concerned areas. It would also be advised to run multiplication tests in order to assist future planting operations.
Bibliography
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.
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Lannuzel, G.; Gâteblé, G.; Fogliani, B. 2017. Etude des Espèces Rares et Menacées des sites miniers de la SMT.
Experts
Assessor(s): Amice, R., Barrière, R., Butin, J., Fleurot, D., Lagrange, A., Lannuzel, G., Letocart, I., Suprin, B.
Reviewer(s): Veillon, J.
Contributor(s): Russ, L.
Facilitator(s): Tanguy, V., Warimavute, G.