Melodinus sp.nov. Veillon 6188 is a new species endemic of New Caledonia restricted to the north west of Grande Terre. It is known from three subpopulations: Tiébaghi, Tinip and lower slopes of Mont Taom. This liana is found in shrubland on serpentine substrate up to 400 m asl. The main threats are presented by uncontrolled bushfires and indirectly the mining development (road construction, soil erosion) in Tiébaghi and Ouazangou. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are 214 and 36 km², respectively, and the number of locations is estimated to be four. Therefore, Melodinus sp.nov. Veillon 6188 is assessed as Endangered (EN) under criteria B1ab(i,ii,iii,v)+2ab(i,ii,iii,v) with a continuous decline of all concerned subcriteria.

Geographical area

Melodinus sp.nov. Veillon 6188 is endemic to New Caledonia where it is restricted to the north west of Grande Terre. It is known from three subpopulations: Tiébaghi, Tinip and lower slopes of Mont Taom.

Population

The population size is not known.

Habitat

This species is found in shrubland on serpentine substrate up to 400 m asl.

Threats

The main threats are presented by uncontrolled bushfires and indirectly effect of mining development (road construction, soil erosion) in Tiébaghi and Ouazangou.

Conservation

This new species is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia. It is not present in any protected areas. Prospection at Tiébaghi is recommended. This species would benefit from ex situ and in situ emergency conservation actions. It is 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].

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.

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

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., Bernard-Musmann, M., Goxe, J., Lagrange, A., Lannuzel, G., Laudereau, C., Vandrot, H.

Reviewer(s): Pillon, Y.

Facilitator(s): Meyer, S., Fourdrain, A., Warimavute, G.