Beilschmiedia neocaledonica is an endemic tree restricted to the east coast of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. This species is known of three subpopulations (Kouaoua, Thio, Yaté). It is found in altimontane shrubland and dense humid forest on ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range 500-1,200 m asl. On-going mining activities impact several subpopulations. Indeed, extraction projections on the coming 25 years will lead to the decline of populations, especially in Camp des Sapins and Kouaoua (SLN). Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are respectively estimated to be of 1215 and 44 km² while the number of locations is estimated to be 5. Beilschmiedia neocaledonica is therefore assessed as Endangered (EN) with criteria B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v)+2ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v) with a continuing decline of all concerned sub-criteria.

Geographical area

Beilschmiedia neocaledonica is an endemic shrub restricted to the east coast of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. This species is known of three subpopulations (Kouaoua, Thio, Yaté).

Population

Population size is unknown.

Habitat

It is found in altimontane shrubland and dense humid forest on ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range 500-1,300 m asl.

Threats

On-going mining activities impact several subpopulations. Indeed, extraction projections on the coming 25 years will lead to the decline of populations, especially in Camp des Sapins and Kouaoua (SLN).

Conservation

Beilschmiedia neocaledonica is not protected by legislation but it occurs in one protected area (réserve naturelle de la Fausse-Yaté). It is noted that this species is part of a collaboration for ex-situ conservation between SLN (Société le Nickel) and IAC (Institut Agronomique néo-Calédonien). It is recommended to continue efforts for ex-situ conservation and to follow-up existing populations. It is moreover recommended to protect it legally.

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.

Wulff AS, Hollingsworth PM, Ahrends A, Jaffré T, Veillon J-M, L’Huillier L, et al. 2013. Conservation Priorities in a Biodiversity Hotspot: Analysis of Narrow Endemic Plant Species in New Caledonia.

L'Huillier L.; Jaffré T. and Wulff A. 2010. Mines et Environnement en Nouvelle-Calédonie : les milieux sur substrats ultramafiques et leur restauration.

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

Experts

Assessor(s): Tanguy, V., Veillon, J., Bruy, D., Dubreuil, M., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Lagrange, A., Lannuzel, G.

Reviewer(s): Amice, R.

Contributor(s): Wulff, A.

Facilitator(s): Tanguy, V., Chanfreau, S.