Conservation status of New Caledonia palms

Abstract

An assessment of the conservation status of the palm species occuring in New Caledonia is provided, based on the new IUCN Red List categories. To determine the conservation status of each species, their extent of occurrence was determined using locality data on herbarium collections. Area of occupancy, number of adults, regeneration, and threats were evaluated on 62 localities throughout the Territory, including all types of palm habitats and all localities of species occurring at less than five sites. Among the 37 palm species known in New Caledonia, all are endemic and 13 are in a threatened category, including four critically endangered, one endangered, and eight vulnerable. Only four of the threatened species are represented in a reserve. Six species are listed as LRcd since they are adequately protected in a reserve despite an acute restriction of their range. Recommendations are given to improve the network of protected areas to include more threatened species.