Syzygium aoupinianum is an endemic tree of New Caledonia restricted in the center of Grande Terre. This species is also observed at Mia in the south east, at Atéou and Ponandou/Tonine in the north east of Grande Terre and herbarium specimens are required to confirm these locations. This species occurs in understory vegetation of dense humid forest on graywackes substrate between 500-600 m asl. Field observations indicate an abondant species. However invasive species (Rusa timorensis and Sus scrofa) may represent a potential threat and contribute to the habitat degradation. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are 508 and 32 km², respectively. The number of locations is estimated at 2, but is probably higher, since these trees are seldom sampled. Therefore, S. aoupinianum is listed as Near Threatened (NT).

Geographical area

S. aoupinianum is endemic of New Caledonia, where it is restricted to the center of Grande Terre. It is known from 2 subpopulations : Aoupinié and Forêt Plate. This species is also observed at Mia in the south east and at Atéou and Ponandou/Tonine in the north east of Grand Terre. However herbarium specimens are required to confirm these locations.

Population

Population size is unknown but field observations indicate a species quite abundant in Aoupinié.

Habitat

S. aoupinianum occurs in understory vegetation of dense humid forest on graywackes substrates at an altitudinal range of 500-600 m asl.

Threats

The invasive species (Rusa timorensis and Sus scrofa) may represent a potential threat and contribute to the habitat degradation of this species.

Conservation

This species is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia and it does occur in only one protected area: Aoupinié. Prospection and herbarium speciments are recommended to better estimate its population and distribution range, as this species is a big tree, its distribution may be under estimated. It is also essential to raise awarness amongs the local population.

Bibliography

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.

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

Dawson J.W. 1999. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 23 : Myrtaceae Myrtoideae 1 : Syzygium.

Experts

Assessor(s): Héquet, V., Vandrot, H., Barrabé, L., Amice, R., Butin, J., Cazé, H., Fleurot, D., Suprin, B., Chambrey, C., Laudereau, C., Haverkamp, C., Fogliani, B.

Reviewer(s): Gâteblé, G.

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