Cleidion lochmios is an endemic shrub of New Caledonia with a scattered distribution limited in the north west of Grande Terre, between Voh-Pouembout and Koumac. It is found in shrubland and dry forest in ultramafic substrate, from 40 to 450 m asl. The main threats identified are mining activities, uncontrolled bushfires, and deer (Rusa timorensis). Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are respectively estimated to 20 and 498 km² while the number of locations is estimated to be four. C. lochmios is therefore assessed as Endangered (EN) with criteria B1ab(ii,iii,v)+2ab(ii,iii,v) with a continuing decline of the area of occupancy (AOO), the habitat quality and the number of individuals.

Geographical area

C. lochmios is endemic to New Caledonia with a scattered distribution limited in the north west of Grande Terre, between the region of Voh-Pouembout and Ora at Koumac.

Population

Total population size is unknown but based on field observations, C. lochmios is not a common species.

Habitat

C. lochmios occurs in shrubland and dry forest in ultramafic substrate, from 40 to 450 m asl.

Threats

The main threats identified are mining activities, uncontrolled bushfires and Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis).

Conservation

C. lochmios is protected by legislation in Province Nord but it does not occur in a protected area. This species should be included in the regional legislation for a better protection of the species. Ex situ and in situ emergency conservation actions and also awarness amongs the local population is also recommended. It is proposed to ensure the follow-up of the only known sub-population and to preserve a viable population on delimited perimeters. It is also recommended to inform the DSCGR (emergency services), responsible for the coordination of the firefighting effort, on the presence of the species in the concerned area. Plus prospections in the north west are needed are needed to confirm the presence of the species and to better estimated its population.

Bibliography

Munzinger J., Morat Ph., Jaffré T., Gâteblé G., Pillon Y., Tronchet F., Veillon J.-M. and M. Chalopin 2016. FLORICAL: Checklist of the vascular indigenous flora of New Caledonia. vers. 22.IV.2016.

McPherson G.D & Tirel C. 1987. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 14: Euphorbiaceae I.

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

Experts

Assessor(s): Amice, R., Bruy, D., Butin, J., Cazé, H., Chambrey, C., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Gâteblé, G., Goxe, J., Hequet, V., Veillon, J.

Reviewer(s): Lannuzel, G.

Facilitator(s): Warimavute, G., Barrabé, L., Meyer, S.