Taxonomy
Red List Status -
Vulnerable (VU) , assessed in 12/05/2022
Melodinus celastroides is an endemic species distributed in the south west of Grande Terre, from Nouméa (the southern limit) to Leprédour island (Boulouparis) (the northern limit). This species occurs in dry forest on non-ultramafic substrate up to 200 m asl. The main threats identified are bushfires, urbanisation and invasive species (Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) and rabbit) that contribute to the decline of habitat quality. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) is estimated to be 438 km² and an area of occupation (AOO) of 52 km² with a number of locations equal to six. Therefore Melodinus celastroides qualififies as Vulnerable under criteria B1ab (iii,v)+B2ab (iii,v) with an estimated decline of habitat quality and number of mature individuals.
Geographical area
Melodinus celastroides is endemic to New Caledonia where it is distributed in the south west of Grande Terre, from Nouméa (the southern limit) to Leprédour island (Boulouparis) (the northern limit).
Population
The population size is not known.
Habitat
Melodinus celastroides occurs in dry forest on non-ultramafic substrate up to 200 m asl.
Threats
The main threats identified are bushfires, urbanisation and invasive species (Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) and rabbit) that contribute to the decline of habitat quality.
Conservation
Melodinus celastroides is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia and it does occur in three protected areas : Ouen Toro, Parc zoologique et forestier Michel Corbasson, Ile Leprédour. It is recommended to inform the DSCGR (government department overseeing firefighting actions) on the presence of the species in the concerned areas.
Bibliography
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.
Boiteau Pierre avec collaboration de Lucie Allorge 1982. Flore de la Nouvelle Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 10 : Apocynacées.
Leeuwenberg, A. J. M. 2003. Series of Revisions of Apocynaceae LIII. Melodinus.. JSTOR(73(1)) , p.3-63.
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.
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.