Taxonomy
Red List Status -
Endangered (EN) , assessed in 02/05/2019Diospyros hequetiae is an endemic shrub of New Caledonia, growing up to 2-3 m high, restricted in the central west of Grande Terre. It is known from 3 subpopulations: Mont Koniambo, Pic aux Hirondelles and Népoui. This species occurs on shrubland on ultramafic substrates, from 55-350 m asl. This species is threatened by Rusa Deer (Rusa timorensis) and bushfires. Its Extent of Occurrence (EOO) and Area of Occupancy (AOO) are estimated to be respectively 50 km² and 16 km² with a number of locations equal to three. Therefore, D. hequetiae is considered Endangered under criteria B1ab(ii,iii,v)+2ab (ii,iii,v), with a decline of the concerned sub-criteria.
Geographical area
D. hequetiae is endemic to New Caledonia where it is known from 3 subpopulations in the central west of Grande Terre : Mont Koniambo, Pic aux hirondelles and Népoui.
Population
Population size is unknown.
Habitat
D. hequetiae occurs in shrubland on ultramafic substrate, from 55-350 m asl.
Threats
D. hequetiae is threatened by Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) and bushfires that contribute to the decline of its habitat quality.
Conservation
D. hequetiae is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia and it is not present in a protected area. It is recommended to inform the DSCGR (emergency services), responsible for the coordination of the firefighting effort and the Conservatoire d'espaces naturels de Nouvelle-Calédonie (New Caledonia natural spaces conservatory), which coordinates the New Caledonian Invasive Species Programme, on the presence of the species in the concerned areas.
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.
George E. Schatz & Porter P. Lowry II 2018. Taxonomic notes on New Caledonian Diospyros (Ebenaceae) with new synonymy and the description of two new species. Candollea(73) , p.91-100.
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Experts
Assessor(s): Amice, R., Butin, J., Cazé, H., Garnier, D., McCoy, S., Veillon, J., Gâteblé, G., Fleurot, D., Laudereau, C., Suprin, B., Héquet, V., Bruy, D., Vandrot, H.
Reviewer(s): Lannuzel, G.
Facilitator(s): Meyer, S., Warimavute, G.