Taxonomy
Melaleuca brongniartii
Synonyms
Melaleuca pugens Brongn. & GrisRed List Status -
Near Threatened (NT) , assessed in 17/11/2017
Melaleuca brongniartii is an endemic shrub from New Caledonia, where it is restricted to the southern massif of Grande Terre, from Pourina to Goro. It is found in low shrubland, wetlands and riverine vegetation on ultramafic substrates, from 10 to 400 m asl. Its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) are estimated at 28 and 262 km², respectively. Although some subpopulations may be impacted by recurrent bushfires and mining activities, this species is locally abundant and it does not seem threatened at the moment. However, these threats could quickly drive the species to Endangered in the future. Therefore, Melaleuca brongniartii is listed as Near Threatened (NT) close to VU D2.
Geographical area
M. brongniartii is endemic to New Caledonia, where it is restricted to the southern massif of Grande Terre, from Pourina to Goro.
Population
Population size is unknown, but field observations indicate that the species is quite common and locally abundant.
Habitat
M. brongniartii occurs in low shrubland, wetlands and riverine vegetation on ultramafic substrate, from 10 to 400 m asl.
Threats
This abundant species does not seem to be threatened at the moment, although some subpopulations may be impacted by uncontrolled bushfires and mining activities (Goro (Vale)).
Conservation
M. brongniartii is not protected by any legislation in New Caledonia and it occurs in one protected area: Parc de la Rivière Bleue.
Bibliography
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Dawson J.W. 1992. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 18 : Myrtacées Leptospermoïdées.
Experts
Assessor(s): Amice, R., Butin, J., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Goxe, J., Héquet, V., Lannuzel, G., Suprin, B., Veillon, J.
Reviewer(s): Vandrot, H.
Facilitator(s): Warimavute, G., Tanguy, V.