Cleidion velutinum is an endemic shrub restricted to the north-west of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. This species is known from two sub-populations (Kaala, Ouazangou). It is found in shrubland and humid forest on ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range 10-700 m asl. Main identified threats are uncontrolled bushfires, mining activities and invasive species such as Rusa Deer (Rusa timorensis). Mining extraction projections for the coming 25 years could lead to significant reduction in the population size. Cleidion velutinum is assessed as Endangered (EN) under criterion A4c with an inferred population reduction of more than 50 % 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 four, a continuous decline of all concerned subcriteria and extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are respectively estimated to be of 60 km² and 36 km2.

Geographical area

Cleidion velutinum is an endemic shrub of the north-west of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. This species is known from two subpopulations (Kaala and Ouazangou).

Population

Population size is unknown. The mining extraction projections for the coming 25 years could lead to the extinction risk of both subpopulations and thus contribute to the potential reduction of the total population size.

Habitat

Cleidion velutinum is found in shrubland and humid forest on ultramafic substrates at an altitudinal range of 10-700 m asl.

Threats

The main identified threat is linked to habitat damage by uncontrolled bushfires. 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). Lowest parts of ultramafic areas are particularly exposed to such risk. Moreover, ongoing mining activities on Kaala and Ouazangou are additional threats. Extraction projections for the coming 25 years could lead to the extinction risk of both subpopulations. Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) also represent a significant threat regarding to degradation of habitat and regeneration of populations.

Conservation

A protected species by legislation in Province Nord, Cleidion velutinum does not occur in any protected area. This species would benefit from ex-situ and in-situ emergency conservation actions. It is proposed to conduct propagation tests in order to assist future planting operations. More generally, It would be valuable to fence forest on ultramafic substrates.

Bibliography

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.

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): Chanfreau, S., Tanguy, V.