Soulamea pelletieri is an endemic shrub of New Caledonia, restricted to the areas of Thio and Ouenghi on Grande Terre. It is found in altitudinal shrubland or on the edges of dense humid forest on an ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range of 800-1,300 m asl. Past mining activities have contributed to the degradation of the habitat, especially to erosion. One subpopulation is currently impacted by mining activities (Camp des Sapins). Population size is unknown. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are respectively estimated to be 170 km² and 16 km² with an estimation of four locations. Soulamea pelletieri is therefore assessed as Endangered (EN) with criteria B1ab(i,ii,iii,v)+2ab(i,ii,iii,v) with a continuing decline of all concerned criteria.

Geographical area

Soulamea pelletieri is an endemic shrub restricted to the areas of Thio and Ouenghi on Grande Terre in New Caledonia.

Population

Population size is unknown.

Habitat

This species is found in altitudinal shrubland or on the edges of dense humid forest on an ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range 800-1,300 m asl.

Threats

Mining activities have contributed to the degradation of the habitat, especially to erosion. One sub-population is currently impacted by mining activities (Camp des Sapins operated by the SLN).

Conservation

Soulamea pelletieri is not protected by legislation. It does not occur in any protected area. This species would benefit from ex-situ and in-situ emergency conservation actions. It is proposed to monitor known sub-populations, and to preserve a viable population within delimited perimeters in Camp des Sapins. It is moreover recommended to conduct germination and propagation tests.

Bibliography

Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.

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.

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., Bruy, D., Dubreuil, M., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Lagrange, A., Lannuzel, G.

Reviewer(s): Amice, R.

Contributor(s): Wulff, A.

Facilitator(s): Tanguy, V., Chanfreau, S.