Taxonomy
Melaleuca buseana
Synonyms
Callistemon buseanum var. longifolium Guillaumin • Callistemon buseanum GuillauminRed List Status -
Vulnerable (VU) , assessed in 17/11/2017
Melaleuca buseana is an endemic shrub from New Caledonia, where it is restricted to the south of Grande Terre. It occurs in shrubland and dense humid forest on ultramafic substrate up to 1,000 m asl. Known from 6 locations, its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are respectively estimated at 1,310 and 40 km², respectively. The main threats identified are mining activities and recurrent bushfires. Therefore, M. buseana is listed as Vulnerable (VU) under criteria B1ab(ii,iii,v)+2ab(ii,iii,v).
Geographical area
M. buseana is endemic to New Caledonia, where it is restricted to the south of Grande Terre, from Goro to Haute Ouenghi.
Population
Population size is unknown.
Habitat
M. buseana occurs in shrubland and dense humid forest on ultramafic substrate up to 1,000 m asl.
Threats
The main threats to this species are uncontrolled bushfires and mining activities (Goro (Vale)).
Conservation
M. buseana is not protected by any legislation in New Caledonia, but it occurs in one protected area: Montagne des sources. It is recommended to monitor known populations and preserve a viable one on a delimited site where invasive species are under control. It is also recommended to inform the local authority responsible for the coordination of the firefighting effort about the presence of this species in the concerned areas. Moreover, it is suggested to promote its growing in nurseries and use in green space planning, as well as raising awareness on this species amongst local stakeholders.
Bibliography
Dawson J.W. 1992. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 18 : Myrtacées Leptospermoïdées.
Craven L.A. & Dawson J.W. 1998. Callistemon of New Caledonia transferred to Melaleuca (Myrtaceae). Adansonia(20 (1)) , p.191-194.
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
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.