Archirhodomyrtus vieillardii is an endemic climbing shrub from New Caledonia, restricted to the south of Grande Terre. It is composed of two subpopulations : Rivière Ni and Koungouhaou. It is found in scrubland (maquis) on ultramafic substrate at an altitude range of 800 and 1,000 m asl. It occurs in areas threatened by bushfires and invasive species (Rusa timorensis). This species is known from 2 localities and its area of occupancy (AOO) is equal to 12 km² for an extent of occurrence (EOO) of 12 km². The combined threats of fire, invasive animal species and mining activities, allows us to infer a continuous decline of AOO, quality of habitat and number of mature individuals. Using criteria B, Archirhodomyrtus vieillardii qualifies for Endangered (EN) B1ab(ii,iii,v)+2ab(ii,iii,v).

Geographical area

Archirhodomyrtus vieillardii is endemic to New Caledonia where it is restricted to the south of Grande Terre. It is composed of two subpopulations : Rivière Ni and Koungouhaou.

Population

Population size is unknown.

Habitat

Archirhodomyrtus vieillardii is found in scrubland (maquis) on ultramafic substrate at an altitude range of 800 and 1,000 m asl.

Threats

The main threats are bushfires and invasives (Rusa timorensis) that contribute to the decline of the habitat quality.

Conservation

Archirhodomyrtus vieillardii is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia. It is present in one protected area: Côte oubliée. 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 and the DSCGR (emergency services), responsible for the coordination of the firefighting effort, on the presence of the species in the concerned areas.

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].

Snow, N. 2009. Kanakomyrtus (Myrtaceae): A new endemic genus from New Caledonia with linear stigma lobes and baccate fruits. Systematic Botany(34) , p.330-344.

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.

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