Bocquillonia longipes is an endemic shrub of the north-western part of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. This species is known from 6 subpopulations: Kaala, Koniambo, Mé Maoya, Boulinda, Oua-Tilou and Nodéla. It is found in shrubland and forest on ultramafic substrates at an altitudinal range of 75-780 m asl. The main threat is presented by ongoing mining activities in Kaala, Koniambo and future mining projects at Boulinda. Extraction projections for the coming 25 years could lead to a 30% reduction in the impacted subpopulations. Bocquillonia longipes is assessed as Vulnerable (VU) under criterion A4c with an inferred population reduction of more than 30 % over three generations (75 years) starting in 1970 and projected to 2045; and under criteria B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v)+2ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v) with the number of threat-defined locations estimated to be seven, a continuous decline of all concerned subcriteria and extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are respectively estimated to be of 1,430 km² and 52 km.

Geographical area

Bocquillonia longipes is an endemic shrub of the north-western part of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. This species is known from 6 subpopulations: Kaala, Koniambo, Mé Maoya, Nodéla, Oua-Tilou and Boulinda.

Population

Population size is unknown. However, Bocquillonia longipes seems quite common in Koniambo's forests. Mining extraction projections for the coming 25 years could lead to a 30% reduction in the impacted subpopulations and thus contribute to the potential reduction of the total population size.

Habitat

Bocquillonia longipes is found in shrubland and forest on ultramafic substrates at an altitudinal range of 75-780 m asl.

Threats

The main threat is presented by ongoing mining activities in Kaala, Koniambo and future mining activity at Boulinda. New Caledonia contains 20 - 30% of the world’s nickel resources and has experienced intense mining activities since the late 19th century which has generated soil erosion (1.2% of bare ground mapped by SPOT5 in 2007). Based on the distribution of metal-rich soils and site accessibility, these threats are predictable and planned (there was a rise in nickel production from 60,000 to 200,000 tonnes per year between 2013 and 2015). It is also impacted by invasive species (Rusa timorensis and feral pigs) at Mé Maoya/Nodéla and Oua-Tilou, and potentially bushfires could impact the Kaala's subpopulation. 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

Bocquillonia longipes is protected by legislation in Province Nord (genus-level protection) and Province Sud, but does not occur in any protected area. It is noted that KNS has conducted surveys since 2015. Searches in the Mé Maoya surrounding areas would be advisable. This species would benefit from ex-situ and in-situ emergency conservation actions. It is proposed to monitor known subpopulations, and to preserve a viable population within delimited perimeters on each mining areas. It would be moreover advised to conduct propagation tests in order to assist future planting operations.

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.

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.

Experts

Assessor(s): Tanguy, V., Veillon, J., Amice, R., Barrière, R., Chambrey, C., Fleurot, D., Lannuzel, G.

Reviewer(s): Vandrot, H.

Contributor(s): Wulff, A.

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