Taxonomy
Synonyms
Metrosideros operculata var. longifolia Brongn. & Gris • Metrosideros operculata var. myrtifolia Brongn. & GrisRed List Status -
Least Concern (LC) , assessed in 26/10/2018Protected species -
in Northern Province
Metrosideros operculata is an endemic shrub or tree from New Caledonia, where it is widely distributed across Grande Terre. It occurs in dense humid forest or shrubland on all types of substrates up to 1,500 m asl. Some subpopulations may be impacted by bushfires or mining activities, but globally this species does not seem to be threatened. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are estimated at 15,164 and 472 km², respectively. Therefore, M. operculata is listed as Least Concern (LC).
Geographical area
This species is endemic to New Caledonia, where it is widely distributed across Grande Terre, from Goro to Col d'Amoss.
Population
Population size is unknown, but field observations indicate that this species is very common.
Habitat
This shrub or small tree grows in dense humid forest, riparian vegetaion, shrubland or sclerophyllous forest on all types of substrates up to 1,500 m asl.
Threats
Although some subpopulations may be impacted by bushfires or mining activities (Goro (Vale), Tiébaghi (SLN)), this common species does not appear to be threatened.
Conservation
M. operculata is protected by legislation in Province Nord and occurs in numerous protected areas: Mt. Panié, Aoupinié, Massif du Kouakoué, Vallée de la Thy, Montagne des Sources, Chutes de la Madeleine and Pic du Pin natural reserves, as well as the Dumbéa, Rivière Bleue and Côte Oubliée provincial parks. Taxonomic studies are suggested to clarify delimitations of the two infraspecific varieties, as well as distinction from M. cacuminum.
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.
Dawson J.W. 1992. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 18 : Myrtacées Leptospermoïdées.
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Experts
Assessor(s): Amice, R., Bruy, D., Butin, J., Cazé, H., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Gâteblé, G., Goxe, J., Henry, B., Héquet, V., Lagrange, A., Lannuzel, G., Mandaoué, L., Pillon, Y., Veillon, J.
Reviewer(s): Vandrot, H.
Facilitator(s): Warimavute, G., Meyer, S.