Porpax angelinae is a newly described epiphyte orchid endemic from New Caledonia. This species is known from two subpopulations : Mont Do and Mt. Pénari. It grows in dense humid forests on tree truncks at an altitude range of 800 to 1,000 m asl. The main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by risks of forest fires at Pénari and potential drought at Mont Do. Other potential threats are illegal harvest of the species in its natural habitat. Its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) being both estimated to 8 km², while the number of locations is estimated to be two. Therefore Porpax angelinae is considered Endangered (EN) using criteria B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v) with an estimated decline of the concerned subcriteria.

Geographical area

Porpax angelinae is endemic to New Caledonia where it is known from two subpopulations : Mont Do and Mt. Pénari.

Population

The population size is not known.

Habitat

This species occurs in dense humid forests on tree truncks at an altitude range of 800 to 1,000 m asl.

Threats

The main threats are risk of uncontrolled bushfires at Mont Pénari and potential drought at Mont Do. Other potential threats are illegal harvest of the species in its natural habitat.

Conservation

Porpax angelinae is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia and it does not occur in any protected area. it is recommended to prospect further based on the newly developed comprehensive key for the Porpax Genus identification (2023).

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.

Pignal, M., C. Laudereau & P.-L. Laudereau 2023. Revision of the genus Porpax (Orchidaceae, Podochileae) in New Caledonia.. Candollea(78) , p.17-26.

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., Garnier, D., Laudereau, C., Mandaoué, L., Eltabet, N., Vandrot, H.

Reviewer(s): Gâteblé, G.

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