Taxonomy
Red List Status -
Near Threatened (NT) , assessed in 26/01/2018
Syzygium auriculatum is an endemic shrub or small tree from New Caledonia, where it has a scattered distribution across Grande Terre. It occurs in dense humid forest on volcano sedimentary soil from 50 to 904 m asl. The main threats are posed by bushfires at Roches de la Ouaième and invasive species (Rusa deer, Rusa timorensis and feral pigs, Sus scrofa). Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are estimated to be 1,585 and 68 km², respectively, while the number of locations is estimated to be more than 10 locations. Therefore, S. auriculatum is listed as Near Threatened (NT) near VU B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v).
Geographical area
S. auriculatum is endemic to New Caledonia and it has a scattered distribution across Grande Terre.
Population
Population size is unknown but field observations indicate the species is locally abundant.
Habitat
S. auriculatum occurs in dense humid forest on volcano sedimentary soil from 50 to 904 m asl.
Threats
The main threats are posed by bushfires at Roches de la Ouaième and invasive species (Rusa deer, Rusa timorensis and feral pigs, Sus scrofa).
Conservation
This species is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia but it occurs in two protected areas: Mont Panié and Aoupinié. This species should be included in the regional legislation for a better protection of the species and it is essential to raise awarness amongs the local population.
Bibliography
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.
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): 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): Tanguy, V., Meyer, S., Warimavute, G.