Tapeinosperma tchingouense var. longipetiolatum is an endemic shrub restricted to the central part of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. This taxon is known of four subpopulations (Col d'Amieu, Aoupinié, Povila, Tendo). It is found in dense humid forest on volcano-sedimentary substrate at an altitudinal range 230-550 m asl. The main threat identified is linked to habitat degradation and reduction due to uncontrolled bushfires (Tendo, Povila). Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are respectively estimated to be of 1,074 and 16 km² while the number of locations is estimated to be 4. Tapeinosperma tchingouense var. longipetiolatum is therefore assessed as Endangered (EN) with criteria B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v) with a continuing decline of habitat quality and number iof individuals.

Geographical area

Tapeinosperma tchingouense var. longipetiolatum is an endemic shrub restricted to the central part of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. This taxon is known of four subpopulations (Col d'Amieu, Aoupinié, Povila, Tendo).

Population

Population size is unknown.

Habitat

It is found in dense humid forest on volcano-sedimentary substrate at an altitudinal range 230-550 m asl.

Threats

The main threat identified is linked to habitat degradation and reduction due to uncontrolled bushfires that sweep across New-Caledonia, especially for Tendo and Povila sub-populations.

Conservation

Tapeinosperma tchingouense var. longipetiolatum is protected by legislation in province Nord and it occurs in two protected areas : réserve de nature du massif de l'Aoupinié et parc provincial des Grandes Fougères.

Bibliography

Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.

L'Huillier L.; Jaffré T. and Wulff A. 2010. Mines et Environnement en Nouvelle-Calédonie : les milieux sur substrats ultramafiques et leur restauration.

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.

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): Tanguy, V., Veillon, J., Bruy, D., Dubreuil, M., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Lagrange, A., Lannuzel, G.

Reviewer(s): Amice, R.

Contributor(s): Wulff, A.

Facilitator(s): Chanfreau, S., Tanguy, V.