Syzygium parvicarpum is an endemic shrubby tree from New Caledonia, where it is only known from Mont Nakada, in the center of Grande Terre. The species was only collected and seen two times, firstly by MacKee in 1977 and the second specimen was collected in 2001 at the Mont Nakada Summit. This species is found in shrubland on ultramafic soil between 1,100 and 1,130 m asl. Main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by bushfires and potentially rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) allow us to project a continuous decline in the quality of habitat and number of mature individuals. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are estimated to be of 8 km² while the species is known from a single location. S. parvicarpum is therefore assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v).

Geographical area

S. parvicarpum is endemic to New Caledonia where it is only known from the Mont Nakada, in the central part of Grande Terre. The species was only collected and seen two times, firstly by MacKee in 1977 and the second specimen was collected in 2001 at the Mont Nakada Summit.

Population

Population size is unknown.

Habitat

S. parvicarpum occurs in shrubland on ultramafic soil between 1,100 and 1,130 m asl.

Threats

The main threat is posed by bushfires and potentially rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) causing habitat degradation.

Conservation

This species is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia and doesn't occur in any protected areas. This species should be included in the regional legislation for a better protection of the species. It would benefit from ex situ and in situ emergency conservation actions. It is recommended to inform the local authority responsible for the coordination of the firefighting effort about the presence of the species in the concerned areas. Finally, prospection on Mont Nakada is strongly recommended to better estimate population size and understand its threats.

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): Warimavute, G., Tanguy, V., Meyer, S.