Taxonomy
Kanakomyrtus mcphersonii
Red List Status -
Endangered (EN) , assessed in 17/11/2017
Kanakomyrtus mcphersonii is an endemic shrub from New Caledonia, where it is restricted to the northeast of Grande Terre. It is found in high elevation shrubland on volcano-sedimentary substrate around 1,300 m asl. Known from 2 locations, its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) are estimated at 8 and 11 km², respectively. The main threats to this species are Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) and feral pigs (Sus scrofa), that cause heavy habitat degradation. Climate change could also constitute a serious threat in the future beacause of its narrow altitude range. Therefore, K. mcphersonii is listed as Endangered (EN) under criteria B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii)..
Geographical area
K. mcphersonii is endemic to new Caledonia where it is restricted to the north-east of Grande Terre. It is known from two sub-populations : Panié and Ignambi.
Population
Population size is unknown.
Habitat
K. mcphersonii occurs in high elevation forest and shrubland on volcano-sedimentary substrate around 1,300 m asl.
Threats
The main threats to this species are invasive species causing habitat degradation (Rusa deer, Rusa timorensis and feral pigs, Sus scrofa). Climate change could also constitute a serious threat in the future because of the species' narrow altitude range.
Conservation
K. mcphersonii is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia but it does occur in one protected area: Mont Panié. This species would benefit from in situ and ex situ emergency conservation actions. It is proposed that monitoring should occur to ensure the persistence of the known population. To ensure the preservation of a viable population, it is recommended to regulate invasive species on site. Finally, prospection on Mt. Ignambi is needed to collect more biological material.
Bibliography
Snow N., McFadden J., Evans T.M., Salywon A.M., Wojciechowski M.F. & Wilson P.G. 2011. Morphological and molecular evidence of polyphyly in Rhodomyrtus (Myrtaceae: Myrteae). Systematic Botany(36(2)) , p.390-404.
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Snow, N. 2009. Kanakomyrtus (Myrtaceae): A new endemic genus from New Caledonia with linear stigma lobes and baccate fruits. Systematic Botany(34) , p.330-344.
Experts
Assessor(s): Amice, R., Butin, J., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Goxe, J., Héquet, V., Lannuzel, G., Suprin, B., Veillon, J.
Reviewer(s): Vandrot, H.
Facilitator(s): Tanguy, V., Warimavute, G.