Balanops sp.nov. Bruy 1492 is an endemic shrub from New Caledonia where it is restricted to the north west of the Grande Terre. It is known from three subpopuations : Boulinda, Paéoua and MeMaoya massifs. This species occurs in open scrubbland (maquis) on serpentinite substrate at an altitude range of 750-1,027 m asl. The population size is not known but field observations indicate a species that is not common. The species is not impacted by mining activities as it occurs outside mining areas but it can be impacted by uncontrolled bushfires. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are respectively estimated to be of 194 km² and 32 km² while the number of locations is estimated to be four. Using criterion B and with the estimation of a continuous decline of its habitat quality and number of mature individuals, this species is assessed as Endangered (EN) B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v).

Geographical area

Balanops sp.nov. Bruy 1492 is endemic to New Caledonia where it is restricted to the north west of the Grande Terre. It is known from three subpopuations : Boulinda, Paéoua and MeMaoya massifs.

Population

The population size is not known. Based on field observations, it is not a common species.

Habitat

Balanops sp.nov. Bruy 1492 occurs in open scrubbland (maquis) on serpentinite substrate at an altitude range of 750-1,027 m asl.

Threats

The species is not impacted by mining activities as it occurs outside mining areas but it can be impacted by uncontrolled bushfires.

Conservation

Balanops sp.nov. Bruy 1492 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. It is recommended to search areas surrounding of the three known subpopulations.

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].

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

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.