Taxonomy

endemique
protegee
UICN

Red List Status -

Critically Endangered (CR) , assessed in 05/04/2018

Protected species -

in Southern Province

Cleidion artense is a narrowly endemic shrub of New Caledonia restricted to Art island at Belep islands in the north of Grande Terre. It is known from only a single subpopulation found in shrubland on ultramafic substrate, from 200 to 300 m asl. It is known of a single population of a few individuals. The main threats impacting this species are bushfires which are severe in Belep islands. Its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) being both estimated to 12 km², C. artense is considered Critically Endangered Critically Endangered (CR) B1ab(iii,v), with an estimated decline of habitat quality and number mature individuals.

Geographical area


C. artense is an endemic species of New Caledonia restricted to Art island, at Belep islands, in the north of Grande Terre. It is found in the northern plateau of Art island.

Population


Total population size is unknown but field observations indicate a small population size with small number of individuals.

Habitat


C. artense occurs in shrubland on ultramafic substrate, from 200 to 300 m asl.

Threats


The main threats identified are uncontrolled bushfires which are severe in Belep and potential impacts of the future mining activities in Belep.

Conservation


C. artense is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia and it does not occur in a protected area. This species should be included in the regional legislation for a better protection of the species. This species would benefit from ex situ and in situ emergency conservation actions and also awarness amongs the local population. It is proposed to ensure the follow-up of the only known sub-population and to preserve a viable population on delimited perimeters. It is also recommended to inform the DSCGR (emergency services), responsible for the coordination of the firefighting effort, on the presence of the species in the concerned area.

Bibliography


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

Munzinger J., Morat Ph., Jaffré T., Gâteblé G., Pillon Y., Tronchet F., Veillon J.-M. and M. Chalopin 2016. FLORICAL: Checklist of the vascular indigenous flora of New Caledonia. vers. 22.IV.2016.

McPherson G.D & Tirel C. 1987. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 14: Euphorbiaceae I.

Experts


Assessor(s): Amice, R., Bruy, D., Butin, J., Cazé, H., Chambrey, C., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Gâteblé, G., Goxe, J., Hequet, V., Veillon, J.

Reviewer(s): Lannuzel, G.

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


Geographical distribution