Syzygium pterocalyx is an endemic small tree or shrub from New Caledonia with a very scattered distribution across Grande Terre. It occurs in shrubland on ultramafic substrates between 50 and 300 m asl. Population size is unknown but field observations indicate a species with a very few number of mature individuals. The reduction in the area of occupancy and the population decline are the direct result of open cast mining and associated activities and impacts such as bushfires and invasive species (Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis)). Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are 7,914 and 40 km², respectively while the number of locations is estimated to be 7. Therefore, S. pterocalyx is assessed as Vulnerable (VU) according to criterion B1ab(ii,iii,v)+B2ab(ii,iii,v)

Geographical area

S. pterocalyx is endemic to New Caledonia where it has a very scattered distribution across Grande Terre. It is mostly found in the north west coast (Tiébaghi, Babouillat and Poum) of Grande Terre and in the south east coast at Thio and in the far south at Cap N'Dua.

Population

Population size is unknown but field observations indicate a species with a very few number of mature individuals.

Habitat

S. pterocalyx occurs in shrubland on ultramafic substrates between 50 and 300 m asl.

Threats

The main threats identified are bushfires, Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) and mining activities at Poum, Tiébaghi and Plateau.

Conservation

This species is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia and it does occur in one protected area: Cap N'Dua. This species should be included in the regional legislation for a better protection of the species and ex situ and in situ conservation efforts are urgently needed, in particular : ensuring the follow-up of the known sub-populations and preserving it on delimited perimeters. The local authority responsible for the coordination of the firefighting effort should be informed about the presence of the species in the concerned areas. And finally pospections around the concerned subpopulations is recommendend in order to better its distribution, estimated its population and understand its threats.

Bibliography

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.

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., Meyer, S., Tanguy, V.