Taxonomy
Red List Status -
Critically Endangered (CR) , assessed in 08/09/2017
Oxera sp. nov. "doubetiae" is a monocaulous shrub endemic to New Caledonia, only known from Gohapin, in the center of Grande Terre. It occurs in forest undergrowth on serpentine soil at around 140 m asl. Both its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) are 8 km², and field observations show the population has fewer than 50 mature individuals. This species is strongly threatened by fires and invasive species, such as rusa deer (Rusa timorensis russa) and feral pigs (Sus scrofa), that contribute to habitat degradation. Therefore, Oxera sp. nov. "doubetiae" is listed as Critically Endangered (CR) under criteria B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v), C2a(i,ii) and D.
Geographical area
O. sp. nov. "doubetiae" is endemic to New Caledonia, where it is only known from Gohapin, in the north east of Grande Terre.
Population
Field observations show that the total population size is fewer than 50 mature individuals.
Habitat
O. sp. nov. "doubetiae" occurs in forest undergrowth on volcano-sedimentary soil between 135 and 140 m asl.
Threats
This species is strongly threatened by invasive species (mostly Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) and feral pigs (Sus scrofa)), that contribute to habitat degradation and by fires, causing a population decline.
Conservation
This species is not protected by any legislation in New Caledonia and it doesn't occur in any protected areas. This species is cultivated at the IAC (Institut Agronomique de Nouvelle-Calédonie) nursery of Saint-Louis with a few number of individuals. Therefore in situ emergency conservation actions (monitor known populations and to preserve a viable one in delimited sites, where invasive species are under control) should be needed to better protect this species. The local authority responsible for the coordination of the firefighting effort should also be informed about the presence of this species in the concerned areas. Finally, it is suggested to promote its growing in nurseries at Gohapin, its use in green space planning and to raise awareness of this species amongst local stakeholders.
Bibliography
Mabberley DJ, de Kok RPJ. 2004. Labiatae. In: Morat P,ed. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendance.
Gâteblé, G. 2016. Flore ornementale de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
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.
Barrabé L, Karnadi-Abdelkader,G, Ounemoa,J,de Kok RPJ., Robert N, Gâteble,G. 2015. Recircumscription of Oxera (Lamiaceae: Ajugoideae) ta include Faradaya based on molecular and anatomical data. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society(179) , p.693-711.
Experts
Assessor(s): Gâteblé, G., Barrabé, L., Fleurot, D., Amice, R., Cazé, H., Bruy, D., Héquet, V., Vandrot, H., Butin, J., Mandaoué, L., Haverkamp, C., Dumontet, V., Laudereau, C.
Reviewer(s): Meyer, S.
Facilitator(s): Tanguy, V., Warimavute, G.