Pandanus belepensis is an endemic shrub from New Caledonia, only known from the Belep islands, north of Grande Terre. This species was known from two subpopulations (Ilot Daouinth and Ile Art), but recent field searches could not relocate the subpopulation on Ilot Daouinth, which was last observed in 1978 and is now considered extinct. On Ile Art, this species is found in dense humid forest on ultramafic substrate at an average altitude of 100 m asl. The main threat is habitat degradation by uncontrolled bushfires. Population size is estimated to be fewer than 1,000 mature individuals. Its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) are both 4 km², and the number of locations is one (Ile Art). Pandanus belepensis is therefore listed as Critically Endangered (CR) under criteria B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v) with a continuing decline in habitat extent/quality and population size.

Geographical area

Pandanus belepensis is an endemic shrub from New Caledonia, only known from the Belep islands, north of Grande Terre. This species was known from two subpopulations (Ilot Daouinth and Ile Art), but recent field searches could not relocate the subpopulation on Ilot Daouinth, which was last observed in 1978 and is now considered extinct.

Population

The population on Ile Art is estimated to be fewer than 1000 mature individuals.

Habitat

P. belepensis is found in dense humid forest on ultramafic substrate at an average altitude 100 m asl.

Threats

The main threats to this species are uncontrolled bushfires, causing heavy habitat degradation.

Conservation

The species is protected by legislation in Province Nord and Province Sud, but it is not found in any protected areas. As this species is severely threatened by bushfires, its stations must be included in the maps of the government departmant overseeing the firefighting efforts. It is recommended to carry out further prospection in the Bélep archipelago (including Ilot Daouinth), as well as monitor the known population (population size) and collect seeds for ex-situ conservation (seed banking and growing in nurseries in Koumac).

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.

Callmander, M.W.; Muzinger, J.; Stone, B.C. 2011. Pandanus belepensis (Pandanaceae), a new species from the Belep Archipelago (New Caledonia). Phytotaxa(38) , p.5.

Munzinger J., Morat Ph., Jaffré T., Gâteblé G., Pillon Y., Tronchet F., Veillon J.-M. and M. Chalopin 2016. FLORICAL: Checklist of the vascular indigenous flora of New Caledonia. vers. 22.IV.2016.

Experts

Assessor(s): Amice, R., Barrabé, L., Cazé, H., Chambrey, C., Garnier, D., Héquet, V., Letocart, D., Letocart, I.

Reviewer(s): Callmander, M.

Facilitator(s): Tanguy, V., Maura, J., Warimavute, G.