Leichhardtia variifolia is an endemic small shrub from New Caledonia restricted to the north west of Grande Terre. This species occurs in maquis on ultramafic substrates at an altitudinal range of 10 and 120 m asl. This species is highly threatened by Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) at Nekoro et Tiaoué and bushfires at Kathepaihié et du Oua Tilou. Plus there is a potential threat of the mining actitivies at Koniambo. Its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) being respectively estimated to be 80 and 652 km² and its number of location estimated to be seven Therefore, Leichhardtia variifolia is considered Vulnerable VU B1ab(ii,iii,v)+2ab(ii,iii,v) with a decline of all the concerned subcriteria.

Geographical area

Leichhardtia variifolia is endemic to New Caledonia where it is restricted on the north west of Grande Terre.

Population

Population size is unknown.

Habitat

Leichhardtia variifolia occurs in maquis on ultramafic substrates at an altitudinal range of 10 and 120 m asl.

Threats

This species is highly threatened by Rusa deer (Rusa Timorensis) at Nekoro et Tiaoué and bushfires at Kathepaihié et du Oua Tilou. Plus there is a potential threat of the mining actitivies at Koniambo.

Conservation

Leichhardtia tylophoroides is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia and it does not occur in any protected areas. This species should be included in Province Nord legislation for a better protection of the species. It is recommended to inform the DSCGR (emergency services), responsible for the coordination of the firefighting effort.

Bibliography

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

LIEDE-SCHUMANN S., MEVE U., GÂTEBLÉ G., BARRIERA G. & FICI S. 2020. Apocynaceae p.p., Phellinaceae, Capparaceae : Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie.

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].

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

Experts

Assessor(s): Amice, R., Bruy, D., Butin, J., Cazé, H., Fleurot, D., Héquet, V., Lannuzel, G., Laudereau, C., Mandaoué, L., Vandrot, H., Pillon, Y.

Reviewer(s): Veillon, J.

Facilitator(s): Meyer, S., Warimavute, G., Gâteblé, G.