Citronella hirsuta is an endemic shrub of New Caledonia. It is known from two subpopulations (Kouaoua and Poro) restricted to the eastern part of the main Land (Grande Terre). It has an extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) of 12 km2, and the number of locations is three. This species occurs in low elevation forests and dense maquis on serpentinite substrates at approximatively 200 m asl. The main identified threats are linked indirectly to habitat damage by mining activities (road constructions, soil erosions) and bushfires. C. hirsuta is therefore listed as Endangered (EN) under criterion B1ab(i,ii,iii,v)+2ab(i,ii,iii,v), with continuing declines in the concerned sub-criteria.

Geographical area

Citronella hirsuta is endemic to New Caledonia where it is known from two subpopulations (Kouaoua and Poro) restricted to the eastern part of the main land (Grande Terre).

Population

The population size is not known.

Habitat

This species occurs in low elevation forests and dense maquis on serpentine substrate at approximatively 200 m asl.

Threats

The main identified threats are linked indirectly to habitat damage by mining activities at Kouaoua (road constructions, soil erosions) and bushfires.

Conservation

Citronella hirsuta is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia and it does not occur in any protected area. It is recommended to inform the DSCGR (emergency services) on the presence of the species in the concerned areas. Searches in the nearby areas of Kouaoua and Poro are needed in order to better estimate its population and threats. This species would benefit from ex-situ and in-situ emergency conservation actions. It is proposed to monitor the populations and to preserve a viable population within delimited perimeters on the mining area.

Bibliography

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.

Munzinger J. , Levionnois S. 2016. Novitates neocaledonicae III: A new species of Citronella (Cardiopteridaceae) endemic to New Caledonia. Phytotaxa(245 (3)) , p.223-228.

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

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].

Experts

Assessor(s): Amice, R., Bruy, D., Cazé, H., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Héquet, V., Lagrange, A., Lannuzel, G., Laudereau, C., McCoy, S., Vandrot, H.

Reviewer(s): Pillon, Y.

Facilitator(s): Fourdrain, A., Warimavute, G.