Litsea pentaflora is an endemic tree, growing up to 5 to 8 m high, restricted known from two subpopulations restricted to the western part of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. This species is found in humid forest or mesophilous forest on volcano-sedimentary substrates at a low altitudinal range. The main threats identified are feral pigs (Sus scropha) and invasive deer (Rusa timorensis) which contribute to the decline of habitat quality. Its extent of occurence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are estimated to 8 and 8 km², respectively, while its number of locations is equal to two. Litsea pentaflora is therefore considered as Endangered (EN) B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v) with an estimated decline of the habitat quality and the number of mature individuals.

Geographical area

Litsea pentaflora is endemic to New Caledonia where it is restricted to the western part of Grande Terre. It is known from 2 subpopulations : Mont Mi and vallée de la Ouaménie.

Population

Population size is unknown.

Habitat

Litsea pentaflora is found in humid forest and mesophilous forest on volcano-sedimentary substrates. This species occurs in low altitudinal range.

Threats

The main threats identified are feral pigs (Sus scropha) and invasive deer (Rusa timorensis) which contribute to the decline of habitat quality.

Conservation

Litsea pentaflora is not protected by legislation in Province Nord and it does not occur in any protected area. This species should be included in Province Sud legislation for a better protection of the species. It is recommended to inform the Conservatoire d'espaces naturels de Nouvelle-Calédonie (New Caledonia natural spaces conservatory), which coordinates the New Caledonian Invasive Species Programme on the presence of the species in the concerned areas. Furthermore, it is proposed to prospect forest patches around the original localities (Mont Mi and Ouaménie).

Bibliography

Munzinger J., Morat Ph., Jaffré T., Gâteblé G., Pillon Y., Rouhan G., Bruy, D., Veillon J.-M., & M. Chalopin 2020. FLORICAL: Checklist of the vascular indigenous flora of New Caledonia [continuously updated].

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

Experts

Assessor(s): Bruy, D., Butin, J., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Héquet, V., Laudereau, C., Mandaoué, L., Vandrot, H.

Reviewer(s): Cazé, H.

Contributor(s): Munzinger, J.

Facilitator(s): Warimavute, G., Meyer, S.