Arthropodium sp.nov. #22 is a new endemic herb from New Caledonia, only known from Pinpin at Poya, in the central part of Grande Terre. It occurs in scrubland on ultramafic substrate at an altitude range of approximatively 986 m asl. The main threats are linked to on-going mining activities at Pinpin. The twenty five year projection for mining operation indicate that a majority of individuals may be affected. Its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) are both equal to 4 km², while the species is known to exist at only a single location. Therefore, this new species of Arthropodium is therefore assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) with criteria B1ab (iii,v)+2ab(iii,v), with an estimated continuing decline of the concerned sub-criteria.

Geographical area

This new species of Arthropodium is endemic to New Caledonia where it is only known from Pinpin at Poya, in the central part of Grande Terre.

Population

The population size is not known.

Habitat

This species occurs in scrubland on ultramafic substrate at an altitude range of approximatively 986 m asl.

Threats

The main threats are linked to on-going mining activities at Pinpin. The twenty five year projection for mining operation indicate that a majority of individuals may be affected.

Conservation

Arthropodium sp.nov. #22 is unprotected by legislation and it does not occur in any protected area. Searches in the north-west massifs are needed in order to better estimate its population and threats. This species would benefit from ex-situ and in-situ emergency conservation actions. It is proposed to monitor the populations and to preserve a viable population within delimited perimeters on the mining area.

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.

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., Cazé, H., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Héquet, V., Lagrange, A., Lannuzel, G., Laudereau, C., McCoy, S., Vandrot, H.

Reviewer(s): Pillon, Y.

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