Taxonomy
Eugenia munzingeri
Red List Status -
Critically Endangered (CR) , assessed in 27/10/2017Protected species -
in Southern Province
Eugenia munzingeri is endemic to New Caledonia, only known from the lower valley of Tontouta in the south west of Grande Terre. It is found in shrubland and dense humid forest on ultramafic substrate from 40 to 200 m asl. Its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) are both equal to 16 km², and the species is known from a single location. The main threats are uncontrolled fires and more recently myrtle's rust (Austropuccinia psidii), which was declared in 2013 in New Caledonia and affects the species' regeneration. Therefore, E. munzingeri is listed as Critically Endangered (CR) under criteria B1ab(i,ii,iii,v).
Geographical area
E. munzingeri is endemic to New Caledonia, where it is restricted to the lower valley of Tontouta, in the south of Grande Terre.
Population
Total population size is unknown, but field prospections have identified around 150 mature individuals to this day.
Habitat
E. munzingeri occurs in shrubland and dense humid forest on ultramafic substrate from 40 m to 200 m asl.
Threats
Main threats include uncontrolled bushfires and more recently myrtle's rust (Austropuccinia psidii). This disease was declared in 2013 in New Caledonia and it seems to target riverine species. It primarily affects reproductive organs, which could lead to the decline of the species in the short or mid term.
Conservation
E. munzingeri is not protected by any legislation in New Caledonia and does not occur in any protected areas. This species is cultivated at the IAC (Institut Agronomique de Nouvelle-Calédonie) nursery of Saint-Louis. This species would benefit from ex situ and in situ emergency conservation actions. It is recommended to monitor and preserve known populations, and to inform the local authority responsible for the coordination of the firefighting effort about the presence of the species in the concerned areas. Finally, further prospection in the lower valley of Tontouta is needed to better estimate the size of the population and understand potential threats.
Bibliography
Lannuzel, G.; Gâteblé, G.; Fogliani, B. 2017. Etude des Espèces Rares et Menacées des sites miniers de la SMT.
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.
Experts
Assessor(s): Amice, R., Barrière, R., Butin, J., Fleurot, D., Lagrange, A., Lannuzel, G., Letocart, I., Suprin, B.
Reviewer(s): Veillon, J.
Contributor(s): Russ, L.
Facilitator(s): Warimavute, G., Tanguy, V.