Taxonomy
Synonyms
Morinda montana J.T.Johanss.Red List Status -
Least Concern (LC) , assessed in 28/05/2018
Gynochthodes montana is an endemic liana from New Caledonia, where it is restricted to the northeast of Grande Terre. It occurs in shrubby vegetation or humid forest undergrowth on volcano-sedimentary substrate above 700 m asl. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are 88 and 36 km², respectively. This species does not seem threatened at the moment, although some subpopulations may be impacted by feral pigs or bushfires. Therefore, G. montana is listed as Least Concern (LC).
Geographical area
This liana is endemic to New Caledonia, where it is restricted to the northeast of Grande Terre: from Roches Ouaïeme to Mt. Ignambi.
Population
Total population size is unknown, but field observations indicate that this species is rather common (CI & Dayu Biik 2018).
Habitat
It occurs in shrubby vegetation on ridges, as well as the undergrowth of the kauri forest or humid forest on volcano-sedimentary substrate above 700 m asl.
Threats
This species does not seem threatened at the moment. Some subpopulations may be impacted by feral pigs (Sus scrofa), whose grubbing can damage individuals, and potentially bushfires at Roches Ouaïeme. Finally, this species could be impacted by climate change in the future.
Conservation
Unprotected by legislation in New Caledonia, this species occurs in one protected area: mount Panié reserve.
Bibliography
Butaud, J.-F., Conservation International & ACCMP Dayu Biik 2018. Fiche de pré-évaluation – Gynochthodes montana.
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.
Butaud, J.-F., Conservation International & ACCMP Dayu Biik 2018. Pré-évaluation du niveau de menace de la flore micro-endémique se développant au sein de la forêt de kaoris de la zone sommitale du Mont Panié.
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., Haverkamp, C., Héquet, V., Lagrange, A., Laudereau, C., Tiavouane, J., Tron, F., Veillon, J.
Reviewer(s): Lannuzel, G.
Facilitator(s): Meyer, S., Warimavute, G., Butaud, J.