Taxonomy
Synonyms
Caryophyllus elegans Brongn. & GrisRed List Status -
Vulnerable (VU) , assessed in 26/01/2018
Syzygium elegans is an endemic subshrub or shrub of New Caledonia restricted in the north east of Grande Terre, from Tao to Ouégoa. It is found in dense humid forest on river banks of creeks on volcano sedimentary soil between 10 and 400 m asl. The population size of S. elegans is unknown. This species has a low impact of bushfires as it occurs near creeks but the main potential threat is the drying of the creeks. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are 156 and 32 km², respectively, while the number of locations is estimated to be 7. Therefore, S. elegans is listed as Vulnerable (VU) under criteria B1ab(iii,v)+B2ab(iii,v).
Geographical area
S. elegans is endemic to New Caledonia where it is restricted in the north east of Grande Terre, from Tao to Ouégoa.
Population
Population size is unknown.
Habitat
S. elegans occurs in dense humid forest on river banks of creeks on volcano sedimentary soil between 10 and 400 m asl.
Threats
This species has a low impact of bushfires as it occurs near creeks but the main potential threat is the drying of the creeks.
Conservation
This species is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia and it does occur in only one protected area: Mont Panié. 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. It would also benefit from ex situ and in situ emergency conservation actions
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., Tanguy, V., Warimavute, G.