This species is endemic to New Caledonia where it is found in just three sites. It is restricted to altitudes above 900 m with an extent of occurrence (EOO) of 558.7 km2 and area of occupancy (AOO) not anticipated to be much greater than 24 km2. Within its distribution, it is a keystone species of stunted cloud forest which many lower plants rely on. Despite having a restricted range, it is suggested that this species never extended far beyond its current geographical range, yet it is more than likely it has been in decline for sometime due to the impact of fire on habitat. This threat causes continuing decline to habitat, population size and both area of occupancy and extent of occurrence. The species is found in the protected reserves of Botanique du Mount Mou and Mount Kouakoué. It also experiences minimal disturbance from anthropogenic pressures such as agriculture and nickel mining. Considering the species has three locations and is impacted by fire in multiple ways, the species has been globally assessed as Endangered.

Geographical area

This species is endemic to New Caledonia where it is found in just three sites. It is restricted to altitudes above 900 m with an extent of occurrence (EOO) of 558.7 km2 and area of occupancy (AOO) not anticipated to be much greater than 24 km2. Within its distribution, it is a keystone species of stunted cloud forest which many lower plants rely on. Despite having a restricted range, it is suggested that this species never extended far beyond its current geographical range, yet it is more than likely it has been in decline for sometime due to the impact of fire on habitat. This threat causes continuing decline to habitat, population size and both area of occupancy and extent of occurrence. The species is found in the protected reserves of Botanique du Mount Mou and Mount Kouakoué. It also experiences minimal disturbance from anthropogenic pressures such as agriculture and nickel mining. Considering the species has three locations and is impacted by fire in multiple ways, the species has been globally assessed as Endangered.

Population

The highly disjunct distribution, on both a local and a regional scale, suggests that all species of Nothofagus were either previously more widespread, or that isolated populations have been mobile following climatic shifts; although N. baumanniae along with N. discoidea may never have extended far beyond their present geographic range (Veblen et al. 1996). Recent pollen analysis suggests a much more widespread distribution of the genus; which suggests that climate change has been a long contributing factor to the decreasing population of the species however this species' range is not believed to have been any more extensive in the past so historical population decline is not assumed.

Habitat

This species is found in high-altitude forests, which it dominates in areas of humic accumulations and which have a less diverse angiosperm flora but have luxuriant growth of bryophytes in the cloudy, humid conditions (Veblen et al. 1996). This species is a key component of stunted cloud forest on ultramafic soils (Veblen et al. 1996). Longevity is unknown for all Nothofagus within New Caledonia (Veblen et al. 1996). Large-scale disturbance of the forest canopy is needed to encourage regeneration of the species. The species habitat is currently at risk from fire.

Threats

Considering the little literature available regarding threats to Nothofagus species specifically, it seems prevalent that all three pressures: the minor threat of agricultural development and the major threats of climate change and nickel mining which are having a devastating effect on much of New Caledonia’s flora. Of these three threats fire is having the greatest impact on the species due to its occurrence at higher altitudes. There are concerns of a reduced regeneration potential for Nothofagus forests within New Caledonia especially following fires where rainforest is often replaced by xerophytic woodland or maquis. As there is growing incidence of fire on the island this could become a greater threat to the species as its native habitat is lost. Nothofagus has not been known to recently invade these new habitats (Veblen et al. 1996) however at some sites seedlings are present. Widespread disturbance is needed alongside suitable growth conditions to encourage significant regeneration of Nothofagus species.

Conservation

Nothofagus baumanniae is protected by legislation in province Nord but not in province Sud. It occurs in two protected areas : réserve naturelle du Mont-Mou, réserve naturelle du Mont-Kouakoué. Commercialisation and use : There is no use and trade information for this species but many members of the group are used for timber and therefore it is assumed this species may be utilized similarly but on a small scale.

Bibliography

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

L'Huillier L.; Jaffré T. and Wulff A. 2010. Mines et Environnement en Nouvelle-Calédonie : les milieux sur substrats ultramafiques et leur restauration.

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.

Wulff AS, Hollingsworth PM, Ahrends A, Jaffré T, Veillon J-M, L’Huillier L, et al. 2013. Conservation Priorities in a Biodiversity Hotspot: Analysis of Narrow Endemic Plant Species in New Caledonia.

Experts

Assessor(s): Baldwin, H.

Reviewer(s): Barrabé, L., Tanguy, V. & Read, J.

Contributor(s): Barstow, M. & Rivers, M.C.

Facilitator(s): Baldwin, H.