Taxonomy
Synonyms
Nephrodesmus albus Schindl. • Desmodium francii Harms.Red List Status -
Vulnerable (VU) , assessed in 27/09/2022
Nephrodesmus francii is an endemic tree from New Caledonia with a scattered distribution across the center and southern part of Grande Terre : from Ipoa to Mont Mou with an observation at Dothio in the south east. This species occurs in low elevation forest undergrowth on serpentine substrate up to 400 m d'altitude. The main threat is posed by uncontrolled bushfires and indirectly mining activities (road construction and soil erosion) at Tontouta. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are 2,421 and 52 km², respectively, and the number of locations is estimated to be seven. Therefore, Nephrodesmus francii is listed as Vulnerable (VU) under criteria B1ab(ii,iii,v)+2ab(ii,iii,v), with a continuing decline of all the concerned sub-criteria.
Geographical area
Nephrodesmus francii is endemic to New Caledonia where it has a scattered distribution across the center and southern part of Grande Terre : across the center and southern part of Grande Terre : from Ipoa to Mont Mou with an observation at Dothio in the south east.
Population
The population size is not known.
Habitat
Nephrodesmus francii occurs in low elevation forest undergrowth on serpentine substrate up to 400 m asl..
Threats
The main threat is posed by uncontrolled bushfires and indirectly mining activities (road construction and soil erosion) at Tontouta.
Conservation
Nephrodesmus francii is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia and it does not occur in any protected areas. It is recommended to inform the DSCGR (government department overseeing firefighting actions) on the presence of the species in the concerned areas.
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.
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.
Experts
Assessor(s): Amice, R., Barrière, R., Bruy, D., Cazé, H., Fleurot, D., Lagrange, A., Lannuzel, G., Laudereau, C., Mandaoué, L., Vandrot, H.
Reviewer(s): Meyer, S.
Facilitator(s): Warimavute, G., Fourdrain, A.