Cleidion marginatum is an endemic shrub of New Caledonia restricted to the central part of Grande Terre. It is found in dense humid forest on volcano-sedimentary substrate, from 350 to 600 m asl. The main threats identified are uncontrolled bushfires, feral pigs (Sus scrofa) and Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis). Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are respectively estimated to be of 12 and 73 km² while the number of locations is estimated to be two. C. marginatum is therefore assessed as Endangered (EN) with criteria B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v) with a continuing decline of habitat quality and number of individuals.

Geographical area

C. marginatum is an endemic species of New Caledonia restricted to the central part of Grande Terre. It is only known from two subpopulations: col d'Amieu and col de Petchicara.

Population

Population size in unknown.

Habitat

C. marginatum occurs in dense humid forest on volcano-sedimentary substrate, from 350 to 600 m asl.

Threats

The main threats identified are the uncontrolled bushfires, feral pigs (Sus scrofa) and Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) that destroy the habiat quality.

Conservation

C. marginatum is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia and it does not occur in a protected area. This species should be included in the regional legislation for a better protection of the species. This species would benefit from ex situ and in situ emergency conservation actions and also awarness amongs the local population. It is proposed to ensure the follow-up of the only known sub-population. 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 at col d'Amieu, col de Petchicara et Canala are needed are needed to confirm the presence of the species and to better estimated its population.

Bibliography

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

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

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.

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): Barrabé, L., Warimavute, G., Meyer, S.