Taxonomy
Red List Status -
Endangered (EN) , assessed in 10/09/2015Protected species -
in Southern Province
Oxalis elsae is an herbaceous plant species endemic to the north-western part of Grande Terre, known only from Babouillat peninsula in Koumac. Oxalis elsae occurs in shrubland on ultramafic alluvium at an altitudinal range of 5 - 200 m asl. Oxalis elsae could be affected by damage of its habitat caused by feral pigs as well as bushfires. Its extent of occurrence and area of occupancy are equal to 8 km² while the number of locations are estimated to be two. Oxalis elsae is therefore considered Endangered (EN) according to criteria B1ab(ii,iii,v)+2ab(ii,iii,v) with a continuing decline of the AOO, the habitat quality and the numbers of mature individuals.
Geographical area
Oxalis elsae is an herbaceous plant species endemic to the north-western part of Grande Terre, known only from the Babouillat peninsula in Koumac.
Population
Population size is unknown. However, Oxalis elsae is quite common in the Babouillat peninsula.
Habitat
Oxalis elsae occurs in shrubland on ultramafic alluvium at an altitudinal range of 5 - 200 m asl.
Threats
Oxalis elsae could be affected by damage to its habitat caused by feral pigs as well as bushfires. Pigs can cause severe damage and rooting result in the destruction of natural environment and crops. Uncontrolled fires sweep across lowlands of New Caledonia each year, especially during the dry season (an average of 20,000 ha of land is burnt each year).
Conservation
Unprotected by legislation, Oxalis elsae is also absent from protected areas. Field surveys around known populations and close to stream banks are urgently needed. The uppermost part of Tiébaghi could also be prospected. The establishment of a protection zone is recommended for the Babouillat peninsula.
Bibliography
Wulff AS, Hollingsworth PM, Ahrends A, Jaffré T, Veillon J-M, L’Huillier L, et al. 2013. Conservation Priorities in a Biodiversity Hotspot: Analysis of Narrow Endemic Plant Species in New Caledonia.
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
L'Huillier L.; Jaffré T. and Wulff A. 2010. Mines et Environnement en Nouvelle-Calédonie : les milieux sur substrats ultramafiques et leur restauration.
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): Tanguy, V., Veillon, J., Amice, R., Barrière, R., Fleurot, D., Gailhbaud, P., Garnier, D., Suprin, B.
Reviewer(s): Vandrot, H.
Contributor(s): Wulff, A.
Facilitator(s): Tanguy, V., Chanfreau, S.