Metrosideros whitakeri is an endemic shrub from New Caledonia, where it is only known from one station at Roches de la Ouaïeme, in the northeast of Grande Terre. It occurs in high elevation shrubland on volcano-sedimentary substrate at around 950 m asl. This species is threatened by bushfires, and could also be impacted by climate change in the future. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are both estimated at 4 km², and the number of locations is estimated to be one. Therefore, M. whitakeri is listed as Critically Endangered under criteria B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v).

Geographical area

This species is endemic to New Caledonia, where it is known from a single station at Roches Ouaïeme, in the northeast of Grande Terre.

Population

Population size is unknown, but field observations indicate that this species is not common.

Habitat

This species has been observed in high elevation shrubland on volcano-sedimentary substrate, around 950 m asl.

Threats

The main threat to this species is posed by bushfires, which can sometimes reach the higher elevations of the Ouaieme massif. Besides, like other high elevation species, this one could be impacted by climate change in the future.

Conservation

M. whitakeri is protected by legislation in Province Nord, but does not occur in any protected areas. Further prospection at Roches Ouaïeme is needed to find this species, which has not been observed since 2001. This would allow experts to better estimate the size of its population and understand potential threats. This species would benefit from ex situ and in situ emergency conservation actions. It is proposed that monitoring should occur to ensure the persistence of known subpopulations. It is recommended to inform the DSCGR (government department overseeing firefighting actions) on the presence of the species in the concerned areas. Finally, Roches Ouaieme, which harbours great diversity and many micro-endemic species, deserves to be listed as a protected area.

Bibliography

Dawson, J.W. et al. 2000. Two new species of Metrosideros (Myrtaceae) from New Caledonia: dual characterisation with morphology and nrDNA sequence variation. Blumea(45 (2)) , p.433-441.

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

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.

Experts

Assessor(s): Amice, R., Bruy, D., Butin, J., Cazé, H., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Gâteblé, G., Goxe, J., Henry, B., Héquet, V., Lagrange, A., Lannuzel, G., Mandaoué, L., Pillon, Y., Veillon, J.

Reviewer(s): Vandrot, H.

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