Taxonomy
Synonyms
Stegocedrus chevalieri (J.Buchholz) DoweldRed List Status -
Vulnerable (VU) , assessed in 03/07/2017Protected species -
in Southern Province , in Northern Province
Libocedrus chevalieri is assessed as Vulnerable as its area of occupancy is estimated to be 20 km2. It occurs in high altitude shrubland on ultramafic substrate with a narrow altitudinal range of 1,450-1,630 m asl in two localities (Humboldt and Kouakoué). This species is not currently directly threatened but bushfires and invasive species impact lower areas on those mountains. It is assessed as Vulnerable (VU) using criteria D2 on the understanding that there are credible potential threats could rapidly drive the species to CR.
Geographical area
This species is mainly known from the summits of Mt. Humboldt and Mt. Kouakoué (1,450-1,600 m asl) in southern New Caledonia. A third, very disjunct locality on the summit of Mt Ton Non (650 m asl) in the north has been recorded based on specimens collected in the late 1970s (Farjon 2005). As this species has never been recollected from that area, and further examination of the original specimens indicates that it would more probably be L. yateensis. Therefore, the northern locality is excluded from the assessment.
Population
All subpopulations are small and highly localized.
Habitat
The species grows in high-altitude maquis shrubland.
Threats
Fires are a serious risk at lower parts of Humboldt and Kouakaoué. Climate change impacts could also be significant as this species is restricted to summit areas.
Conservation
This species is legally protected in province Sud and province Nord. The two sites are within proteted areas (Humboldt and Kouakoué). Prospection in Ton Non (OuaÎème) is recommended in order to confirm/infirm the presence of this species in this northern locality.
Bibliography
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.
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Jaffré, T., Veillon, J.-M. and Cherrier, J.F. 1987. On the occurence of two Cupressaceae, Neocallitropsis pancheri and Libocedrus austrocaledonica in the Mt Paéua area and new sites for the gymnospems in New Caledonia.. Bulletin de Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle Section B Adansonsia(9(3)) , p.273-288.
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.
Farjon, A. 2005. A Monograph of Cupressaceae and Sciadopitys..
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].
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.
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.