Lepidocupania squamosa is an endemic shrub growing up to 1-2 m high, found in the western part of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. This species is known from four massifs (Poum, Tiebaghi, Kopéto, Boulinda). It is found in shrubland on ultramafic substrate between 150 and 600 m asl. The main threats are ongoing mining activities (Poum, Tiebaghi and Kopéto) and recurrent bushfires. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are respectively estimated to be 517 km² and 36 km² while the number of locations is estimated to be five. Lepidocupania squamosa is therefore assessed as Endangered (EN) with criteria B1ab(i,ii,iii,v)+2ab(i,ii,iii,v) with a continuing decline of all concerned sub-criteria.

Geographical area

Lepidocupania squamosa is endemic to New Caledonia where it is known from four massifs (Poum, Tiebaghi, Kopéto, Boulinda), restricted to the western part of Grande Terre.

Population

The population size is not known.

Habitat

This species occurs in shrubland on ultramafic substrate between 150 and 600 m asl.

Threats

The main threats are ongoing mining activities occuring on three massifs (Poum, Tiebaghi and Kopéto) and recurrent bushfires.

Conservation

This species is not protected by legislation and it does not occur in any protected areas. It is recommended to carry ex situ and in situ conservation efforts, in particular seeds banking, monitoring of known subpopulations and preserving viable populations on delimited areas. Patches of humid forest on ultramafic substrate should be protected, as on Boulinda which host several threatened species. It is also 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.

BUERKI, S., J. MUNZINGER, P.P. LOWRY II & M.W. CALLMANDER 2020. Two new genera of Sapindaceae (Cupanieae) from the southern Pacific: Lepidocupania and Neoarytera.. Candollea (75) , p.269-284.

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.