Myrsine poumensis is a narrow endemic shrub found in the northwestern part of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. This species is only known from a single herbarium specimen (1969) in Poum. Myrsine poumensis is found in degraded shrubland on ultramafic substrate. The main threat is presented by past and ongoing mining development in Poum area while uncontrolled bushfire pose a further threat. Its extent of occurrence and area of occupancy are equal to 4 km² while the species is known to exist at only a single location. However, due to a lack of recent observations and taxonomic doubts, Myrsine poumensis is considered Data Deficient (DD).

Geographical area

Myrsine poumensis is a narrow endemic shrub found in the northwestern part of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. This species is only known from a single herbarium specimen (1969) in Poum.

Population

Population size is unknown.

Habitat

Myrsine poumensis is found in degraded shrubland on ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range 350-400 m asl.

Threats

The main threat is presented by past and ongoing mining development in Poum area. The twenty five year projection for mining operation indicate that most of individuals may disappear. New Caledonia contains between 20 - 30% of the world’s nickel resources and has experienced intense mining activities since the late 19th century which 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). Poum Peninsula is also under a heightened threat from bushfire. Uncontrolled fires sweep across lowlands of New Caledonia each year, especially during the dry season (an average of 20,000 ha of land is burnt each year).

Conservation

Unprotected species by legislation, Myrsine poumensis is also absent from protected areas. Field surveys focused on mature and fertile individuals are urgently needed. The genus Myrsine should be taxonomically clarified in order to be able to assess the extinction risks of this species.

Bibliography

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.

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.

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.