Arthropodium sp.nov. #13 is an endemic herb from New Caledonia only known from Col de Mouirange in the south of Grande Terre. It occurs on seerpentinite soil in quite open scrubland approximatively at 281 m asl. Its area of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are both estimated to be 4 km², while the species is known from a single location. The main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by bushfires, as well as the impact of soil turnover by feral pigs, which allows us to project the estimation of a continuous decline of the quality of habitat and number of mature individuals. Using criteria B, this new species of Arthropodium is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) under criteria B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v).

Geographical area

This new species is endemic to New Caledonia where it is only known from Col de Mouirange in the south of Grande Terre.

Population

The population size is not known.

Habitat

This species occurs on serpentinite soils in quite open scrubland approximatively at 281 m asl.

Threats

The main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by bushfires, as well as the impact of soil turnover by feral pigs which allows us to project a continuous decline in the quality of habitat and number of mature individuals.

Conservation

This new species is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia and it does not occur in any protected area. It is recommended to inform the DSCGR (emergency services) on the presence of the species in the concerned areas. Searches in the south region are needed in order to better estimate its population and threats.

Bibliography

Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de 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].

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.

Experts

Assessor(s): Amice, R., Bruy, D., Cazé, H., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Héquet, V., Lagrange, A., Lannuzel, G., Laudereau, C., McCoy, S., Vandrot, H.

Reviewer(s): Pillon, Y.

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