Elaeodendron sp.nov. MacKee 19610 is an endemic species from New Caledonia. It is known from two subpopulations, Mt. Kaala and Tinip, restricted to the northwest of Grande Terre. It is found in scrubland (dense "maquis") on ultramafic and serpentinite substrates from 10 to 800 m asl. Known from five locations, its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are estimated to be 60 and 12 km², respectively. The main threat is posed by uncontrolled bushfires and potentially mining activities at Kaala massif. In 2019, a big bushfire event departed from Troulala at the base of Mont Kaala and went up to Mont Kaala at 1,000 m asl. Therefore, this new species is listed as Endangered (EN) under criteria B1ab (i,ii,iii,v)+2ab(i,ii,iii,v).

Geographical area

This new species is endemic to New Caledonia where it is restricted to the northwest of Grande Terre. It is known from two subpopulations, Mt. Kaala and Tinip.

Population

The population size is is not known.

Habitat

The species is found in scrubland (dense "maquis") on ultramafic and serpentinite substrates from 10 to 800 m asl.

Threats

The main threat is posed by uncontrolled bushfires and potentially mining activities at Kaala massif. In 2019, a big bushfire event departed from Troulala at the base of Mont Kaala and went up to Mont Kaala at 1,000 m asl.

Conservation

Elaeodendron sp.nov. MacKee 19610 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.

Bibliography

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.

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].

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.