Taxonomy
Synonyms
Comptonella glabra T.G.HartleyRed List Status -
Endangered (EN) , assessed in 10/09/2015Protected species -
in Southern Province , in Northern ProvinceComptonella glabra is a narrow endemic shrub restricted to the north-west of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. This species is only known from Massif d’Ouazangou-Taom. It is found in altitudinal shrubland on ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range 800-1000 m asl. Main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by rusa rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) and uncontrolled bushfires. Its extent of occurrence and area of occupancy are equal to 8 km² while the number of locations are estimated to be 2. Comptonella glabra is therefore considered Endangered (EN) according to criteria B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v) with a continuing decline of habitat quality and numbers of mature individuals.
Geographical area
Comptonella glabra is a narrow endemic shrub restricted to the north-west of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. This species is only known from Massif d’Ouazangou-Taom.
Population
Population size is unknown. Field surveys emphasize mostly isolated plants.
Habitat
Comptonella glabra is found in altitudinal shrubland on ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range 800-1000 m asl.
Threats
Main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by rusa rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) and uncontrolled bushfires. Introduced in the 1880's, rusa rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) are now perfectly adapted to New Caledonian habitats. Uncontrolled bushfires sweep across New Caledonia each year, especially during the dry season (an average of 20,000 ha of land is burnt each year, with dramatic peaks of 70,000 ha).
Conservation
This species is not protected by legislation. It does not occur in any protected area. Field surveys around Taom Massif, both Homedeboa Mount and in-between known sub-populations, are urgently needed.
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.
L'Huillier L.; Jaffré T. and Wulff A. 2010. Mines et Environnement en Nouvelle-Calédonie : les milieux sur substrats ultramafiques et leur restauration.
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.
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.