Chambeyronia oliviformis is a solitary, large, subcanopy to emergent, tree palm endemic of New Caledonia, restricted in the central Grande Terre. Chambeyronia oliviformis occurs in mesic forest on soils derived from schistose rocks or basalt often mixed with serpentinite material from 90-300m asl. The main threats come from the degradation of forest habitats caused by fires and invasive species (pigs and rusa deer (Rusa timorensis)) as well as the destruction of seeds by rats. In the areas of Boghen and Tendéa, a big impact of rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) has been observed with grazing that result in the absence of regeneration. Population size is unknown. It has an area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) respectively equal to 56 and 633 km² with five estimated locations. Therefore, C. oliviformis is considered Endangered (EN) B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v) with a decline of the quality of habitat and number of mature individuals.

Geographical area

Chambeyronia oliviformis is an endemic palm tree of New Caledonia where it is known from 4 subpopulations, restricted in the central chain of Grande Terre in New Caledonia (From Vallée de la kua, Tendea, Houe-Barbou, vallée de la Moindou to Boghen)

Population

Habitat

Chambeyronia oliviformis occurs in mesic forest on soils derived from schistose rocks or basalt often mixed with serpentinite material from 90-300m asl.

Threats

Conservation

Chambeyronia oliviformis is protected by legislation in Province Nord and Province Sud but 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 the known populations and to preserve a viable population on delimited perimeters. Because K.oliviformis is located on privately owned land, raising awareness to the owners would be advised. It is also recommended to inform the DSCGR (emergency services), responsible for the coordination of the firefighting effort, and the Conservatoire d'espaces naturels de Nouvelle-Calédonie (New Caledonia natural spaces conservatory), which coordinates the New Caledonian Invasive Species Programme, on the presence of the species in the concerned areas. It is also suggested to list the species in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

Bibliography

Hodel, D. R., & Pintaud. 1998. The palms of New Caledonia / Les palmiers de Nouvelle-Calédonie..

Pintaud, J.-C., & Baker, W. J. 2008. A Revision of the Palm Genera (Arecaceae) of New Caledonia.. Kew bulletin(63) , p.61-73.

Pintaud, J.-C., & Hodel, D. R. 1998. A revision of Kentiopsis, a genus endemic to New Caledonia. . Principes(42) , p.32-33.

Pintaud, J.C. 2000. An introduction to the palms of New Caledonia.. Palms(44) , p.132-140.

Pintaud, J.C. 1999. Phylogénie, biogéographie et écologie des palmiers de Nouvelle-Calédonie.

Experts

Assessor(s): Amice, R., Canel, J., Ugolini, D., Butin, J., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Garnier, D., Goxe, J., Henry, B., Lespes, A., Letocart, D., Letocart, I., Mercier, B., Tiavouane, J., Veillon, J., Warimavute, G.

Reviewer(s): Tanguy, V.

Facilitator(s): Warimavute, G., Tanguy, V., Maura, J.