Dendrobium letocartiorum is an saxicolous and an epiphytic orchid endemic of New Caledonia. It has a scattered distribution in the Grande Terre. This species occurs on the edge dense humid forest at an altitude range between 700 and 950 m asl. This species is not rare and some subpopulations (Thio and Ouaième) can be potentially impacted by bushfires. Its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) being estimated to be 48 and 739 km², respectively, and it is known from a small number of locations. Therefore, Dendrobium letocartiorum is considered Near Threatened (NT) close to VU B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v) with an estimated decline of quality of habitat quality and a number of mature individuals.

Geographical area

Dendrobium letocartiorum is endemic to New Caledonia where it has a scattered distribution in Grande Terre.

Population

The population size is unknown. Field observations indicate the species is not rare.

Habitat

Dendrobium letocartiorum is a saxicolous and an epiphytic orchid. It occurs on the edge of dense humid forest at an altitude range between 700 and 950 m asl.

Threats

The major threat is invasive species (feral pigs, Sus scrofa and Rusa deer), which contribute to the decline of the habitat quality. Some subpopulations located on the edge of the forest can be impacted by bushfires (Thio and Ouaième). The fire is not considered as a threat for populations located in dense humid forest.

Conservation

Dendrobium letocartiorum is protected by legislation in Province Nord and it occurs in one protected area: Mont Panié.

Bibliography

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].

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

Pignal, M. & Munzinger, J. 2020. Morphological and anatomical investigation of New Caledonian graminoid Dendrobium (Orchidaceae) with the description of two new species. European Journal of Taxonomy(633) , p.1-26.

Experts

Assessor(s): Bruy, D., Butin, J., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Héquet, V., Laudereau, C., Mandaoué, L., Vandrot, H.

Reviewer(s): Cazé, H.

Facilitator(s): Warimavute, G., Meyer, S.