Taxonomy
Red List Status -
Endangered (EN) , assessed in 03/07/2017Protected species -
in Southern Province , in Northern Province
Its extent of occurrence and area of occupancy are estimated to be 4,764 and 156 km2, which are within the thresholds for Endangered. There are nine locations, as determined by the impact of mining activities and bushfires. The structure, ecological, edaphic and geographic isolation of the subpopulations also mean that they can be regarded as severely fragmented. A continuing decline in the number of mature individuals, AOO and quality of habitat due to the effects of mining and bushfires has been observed, and is projected to continue in all subpopulations and locations. This species is therefore considered Endangered EN using criteria B1ab(ii,iii,v)+2ab(ii,iii,v).
Geographical area
This species is restricted to two main areas on the north-west and central north-east coast. The most southern occurrence is near Thio in the south and the most northern is on the Poum massif. The largest is on the Cap Bocage Peninsula near Houaïlou. The species occurs at altitudes ranging from 5 to 800 m.
Population
Populations of A. scopulorum are generally small and localized.
Habitat
This species is restricted to maquis minier shrublands on steep rocky slopes and ridges facing the sea.
Threats
The distribution of A. scopulorum coincides with nickel mining areas and many subpopulations are in or adjacent to active nickel mines, namely: CFTMC (SLN), Cap Bocage (SMT), Koniambo (KNS), Poum (SLN), Tiebaghi (SLN), Etoile du Nord (SLN), Plateau (SLN). Uncontrolled bushfires may also impact the Thio and Canala subpopulations.
Conservation
This species is protected in province Sud and province Nord although all subpopulations are outside of protected areas. This species would benefit from in situ and ex situ conservation. It is recommended to ensure the follow-up of existing populations, to preserve viable populations on delimited areas on mining zones. Propagation and cultivation programmes should be initiated.
Bibliography
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
de Laubenfels, D.J. 1972. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances..
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.
Jaffré, T., Bouchet, P. and Veillon, J.-M. 1996. Threatened plants of New Caledonia: Is the system of protected areas adequate?. Biodiversity and Conservation (7(1)) , p.109-135.
Munzinger J., Morat Ph., Jaffré T., Gâteblé G., Pillon Y., Rouhan G., Bruy, D., Veillon J.-M., & M. Chalopin 2020. FLORICAL: Checklist of the vascular indigenous flora of New Caledonia [continuously updated].
Ducouret, E. and C. Henry. 2021. Araucaria scopulorum – Plan de conservation. Association Noé - Programme “Palmiers et conifères de Nouvelle-Calédonie”, Noumea, New Caledonia..
Jaffré, T., Munzinger, J. & Lowry, P.P. 2010. Threats to the conifer species found on New Caledonia’s ultramafic massifs and proposals for urgently needed measures to improve their protection.. Biodiversity and Conservation (19) , p.1485-1502.
Manauté, J., Jaffré, T., Veillon, J.-M. and Kranitz, M. 2003. Revue des Araucariaceae de Nouvelle-Calédonie. IRD, Nouméa..
Experts
Assessor(s): Amice, R., Cazé, H., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Héquet, V., Lagrange, A., Lannuzel, G., McCoy, S., Suprin, B., Veillon, J.
Reviewer(s): Thomas, P., Jaffré, T., Gardner, M., Munzinger, J.
Contributor(s): Butaud, J., Gueugnier, C.
Facilitator(s): Tanguy, V., Maura, J.