Taxonomy
Acianthus uvarius
Red List Status -
Critically Endangered (CR) , assessed in 26/10/2015Protected species -
in Southern Province , in Northern Province
Acianthus uvarius is an endemic geophyte orchid of New Caledonia known only from one single locality on Grande Terre, the Pic Ninga. A. uvarius occurs in high altitude dense humid forest. Its extent of occurrence and area of occupancy are equal to 8 km². The combined threats of bushfires and wild pigs are resulting in a continuous decline of its habitat quality. Using criteria B, A. uvarius qualifies as Critically Endangered (CR) B1ab(iii)+B2ab(iii).
Geographical area
Acianthus uvarius is an endemic geophyte orchid of New Caledonia known only from one single locality on Grande Terre, the Pic Ninga.
Population
Population size is not precisely known but might be fewer than 250 mature individuals.
Habitat
A. uvarius occurs in high altitude dense humid forest.
Threats
The main threats to A. uvarius are the bushfires and the impact of wild pigs which are one of the most important invasive animal in New Caledonia.
Conservation
Acianthus uvarius is protected by legislation in Province Nord and Province Sud but does not occur in any protected area (but it is close to the réserve naturelle de Pic Ninga). As this species is known only from Pic Ninga, there is an emergency to put under protection (e.g. fence) at least 2 plots of 10 by 10 meters and to regulate population of pigs by hunting or trapping.
Bibliography
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.
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Hallé N.; Aubréville A.; Leroy J. F.; 1977. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 8: Orchidaceae.
Experts
Assessor(s): Butin, J., Laudereau, C., Amice, R., Fleurot, D., Frayssinet, I., Garnier, D., Letocart, D., Letocart, I.
Reviewer(s): Tanguy, V.
Contributor(s): Faria, E.
Facilitator(s): Chanfreau, S.