Eugenia sp.nov. Dumontet 497 is an endemic shrub of New Caledonia. This species is only known of a single population in Petchicara at Canala, in the north east of Grande Terre. It is found in forest on volcano-sedimentary substrate at an altitudinal range of 250-350 m asl. The species is locally common. But the main identified threats linked to habitat damage by recurrent uncontrolled bushfires and invasive species (Rusa timorensis) which allows us to project a continuous decline in the habitat quality and number of mature individuals. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are both estimated to be of 4 km² with an estimation of one location. Eugenia sp.nov. Dumontet 497 is therefore assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) with criteria B1ab(iii,v)+B2ab(iii,v) with an estimated continuing decline of habitat quality and mature individuals.

Geographical area

This new species is endemic to New Caledonia where it is only known of a single population in Petchicara at Canala, in the north east of Grande Terre.

Population

The population size is not known. Field observations indicate a species locally common.

Habitat

The species is found in forest on volcano-sedimentary substrate at an altitudinal range of 250-350 m asl.

Threats

The main identified threats linked to habitat damage by recurrent uncontrolled bushfires and invasive species (Rusa timorensis) 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 nearby areas of Petchécara are needed in order to better estimate its population and threats.

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.

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].

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.