Taxonomy
Red List Status -
Endangered (EN) , assessed in 21/07/2016Protected species -
in Southern Province , in Northern Province
Codia belepensis is an endemic shrub/small tree of New Caledonia restricted to Bélep archipelago (islands Pott, Art and Yandé). It is found in shrubland on ultramafic substrate. The main threats impacting this species are bushfires and feral pigs which damage vegetation. Its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) being respectively estimated to 12 and 55 km², Codia belepensis is considered Endangered (EN) using criteria B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v) with an estimation of three locations and a decline of habitat quality and mature individuals.
Geographical area
This species is endemic of Bélep archipelago (islands Pott, Art and Yandé).
Population
This species is known from 3 subpopulations. It was noted as rather abundant in Yandé.
Habitat
It is found in shrubland (dense or degraded) on ultramafic substrate at low altitude (50-300 m asl).
Threats
The main threats impacting this species are bushfires and feral pigs which damage vegetation. A bushfire in 2016 impacted 25% of the island surface of Ile Art.
Conservation
Protected by legislation in province Nord, this species is not found in any protected area. As this species is severely threatened by bushfires, its stations must be included in the maps of Sécurité Civile. Fencing a part of the population would protect this species from feral pigs degradation. It is recommended to collect seeds to carry ex-situ conservation, for example in province Nord nursery in Koumac.
Bibliography
Morat, P.; Jaffré, T.; Tronchet, F.; Munzinger, J.; Pillon, Y.; Veillon, J.-M. and Chalopin, M. 2012. The taxonomic database « FLORICAL » and characteristics of the indigenous flora of New Caledonia. Adansonia(334) , p.177-219.
H. C. F. Hopkins, J. C. Bradford, B. Donovan, Y. Pillon, J. Munzinger, B. Fogliani 2015. Floral biology of the Cunoniaceae in New Caledonia and the role of insects, birds and geckos as potential pollinators.
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Helen Fortune Hopkins, Yohan Pillon, Ruurd Hoogland 2015. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie : Cunoniaceae.
Experts
Assessor(s): Pillon, Y., Bruy, D., Butin, J., Fleurot, D., Gâteblé, G., Hequet, V., Letocart, D., Letocart, I., Tanguy, V., Tiavouane, J., Tron, F.
Reviewer(s): Fogliani, B.
Contributor(s): Brinkert, M., Couhia, J., Fortune-Hopkins, H.
Facilitator(s): Maura, J., Tanguy, V.