Taxonomy
Red List Status -
Critically Endangered (CR) , assessed in 29/02/2016Protected species -
in Southern Province , in Northern Province
Planchonella latihila is an endemic tree restricted to the Grand Sud on Grande Terre in New Caledonia. This very rare species is known from 2 localities (Kwé ouest and Pic du Grand Kaori). It is found in dense humid forest on an ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range 200-270 m asl. On-going mining activities (by Vale NC) in the Grand Sud contribute to the loss and degradation of habitat.Only 2 mature individuals are reported. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are both estimated to be of 8 km² with an estimation of one location. Planchonella latihila is therefore assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) with criteria B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v); C2a(i) and D with a continuing decline of habitat quality and number of mature individuals.
Geographical area
Planchonella latihila is an endemic tree restricted to the Grand Sud on Grande Terre in New Caledonia. This very rare species is known from 2 localities (Kwé ouest and Pic du Grand Kaori).
Population
Only 2 mature individuals are reported. One fertile in pic du Grand Kaori and a second one nearby the waste storing area of Vale NC. Field surveys are recommended but experts are confident with an estimation of the population size fewer than 50 mature individuals.,
Habitat
It is found in dense humid forest on an ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range 200-270 m asl.
Threats
On-going mining activities (by Vale NC) in the Grand Sud contribute to the loss and degradation of habitat. New Caledonia contains 20-30% of the world’s nickel resources. Intense mining activities since the late 19th century 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 (rise in nickel production from 60,000 to 200,000 tonnes per year between 2013 and 2015).
Conservation
Planchonella latihila is protected by the code de l'environnement of province Nord and province Sud. It does not occur in any protected area. This species is part of a rescue program implemented by the mining actor Vale NC. 130 plants are in nursery and some of them have been planted in Parc Provincial de la Rivière Bleue. It is recommended to carry on efforts to save this species : population follow-up and protection, ex-situ conservation,...
Bibliography
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.
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.
Experts
Assessor(s): Tanguy, V., Veillon, J., Amice, R., Cazé, H., Chambrey, C., Dubreuil, M., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Lagrange, A., Lannuzel, G., Leborgne, T., Letocart, D., Letocart, I., McCoy, S., Villegente, J.
Reviewer(s): Maura, J.
Contributor(s): Wulff, A.
Facilitator(s): Tanguy, V.