Alyxia urceolata is a new species endemic of New Caledonia restricted to the north west of Grande Terre. It is known from three subpopulations: Ouazangou, Koniambo and Boulinda massifs. This small shrub is found in shrubland and forest on ultramafic substrate between 520 and 1,100 m asl. The main threat is presented by ongoing mining development in Ouazangou and Koniambo. In addition this species can be potentially threatened by future mining development in Boulinda. Extraction projections for the coming 25 years could have a significant impact on the population. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are 182 and 24 km², respectively, and the number of locations is estimated to be four. Therefore, Alyxia urceolata is assessed as Endangered (EN) under criteria B1ab(i,ii,iii,v)+2ab(i,ii,iii,v) with a continuous decline of all concerned subcriteria.

Geographical area

Alyxia urceolata is endemic to New Caledonia where it is restricted to the north west of Grande Terre. It is known from three subpopulations: Ouazangou, Koniambo and Boulinda massifs.

Population

The population size is not known.

Habitat

Alyxia urceolata occurs in shrubland and forest on ultramafic substrate between 520 and 1,100 m asl.

Threats

The main threat is presented by ongoing mining development in Ouazangou and Koniambo. In addition this species can be potentially threatened by future mining development in Boulinda.

Conservation

Alyxia urceolata is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia and it does not occur in any protected area. This species would benefit from ex situ and in situ emergency conservation actions. It is proposed to ensure the follow-up of known sub-populations, to preserve a viable population on delimited perimeters. It is recommended to inform the DSCGR (government department overseeing firefighting actions) on the presence of the species in the concerned areas. It is also recommended to search the species at Taom and estimate its population size and its threats.

Bibliography

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

Boiteau Pierre avec collaboration de Lucie Allorge 1982. Flore de la Nouvelle Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 10 : Apocynacées.

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., 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].

Lannuzel et al. 2024. Alyxia Banks ex R.Br. in New Caledonia: a clarification of several species complexes, nomenclatural notes, and a description of three new species. Phytotaxa(649 (1)) , p.1-43.

Experts

Assessor(s): Amice, R., Bruy, D., Butin, J., Cazé, H., Fleurot, D., Héquet, V., Bernard-Musmann, M., Goxe, J., Lagrange, A., Lannuzel, G., Laudereau, C., Vandrot, H.

Reviewer(s): Pillon, Y.

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