Syzygium rivulare is an endemic shrub from New Caledonia restricted to the central part of Grande Terre, from Mt. Aoupinié to Tiwaka. It is found in forest gaelries and riparian vegetation on volcano sedimentary soil between 45 and 350 m asl. The population size of S. rivulare is unknown, but field observations indicate a species locally abundant near riverbanks. The main threats are bushfires and invasive species (Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) that cause habitat degradation. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are 481 and 36 km², respectively, with an estimation of 7 locations. Therefore, S. rivulare is listed as Vulnerable (VU) under criteria B1ab(iii,v)+B2ab(iii,v).

Geographical area

S. rivulare is endemic of New Caledonia where it is restricted to the north east of Grande Terre, from Mt. Aoupinié to Tiwaka.

Population

Population size is unknown, but field observations indicate a species locally abundant in riverbanks.

Habitat

S. rivulare occurs in forest galeries and riparian vegetation on volcano sedimentary soil between 45 and 350 m asl.

Threats

The main threats are bushfires and invasive species (Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) that cause habitat degradation.

Conservation

This species is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia and it does occur in only one protected area: Aoupinié. This species should be included in the regional legislation for a better protection of the species. Plus the local authority responsible for the coordination of the firefighting effort should be informed about the presence of the species in the concerned areas.

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