Endemic to New Caledonia, this monotypic genus is the only member of the Taxaceae to occur in the southern hemisphere. Assessed as Near Threatened due to habitat loss and degradation.
Distribution
Austrotaxus spicata occurs in the mountains of the centre and the northeast of the main island of New Caledonia at 400 to 1,350 m asl.
The total population size is estimated to be less than 10,000. Subpopulations are small, usually with less than 100 mature trees.
Habitat and Ecology
Usually found as a small tree in the understory of dense, humid rainforest. Most subpopulations occur on acidic substrates except those on Mé Maoya.
Human Uses
No specific uses have been recorded. This genus is not useful for Taxol production (Heinig 2013)
Conservation Status
Global Status
Near Threatened
Global Rationale
The extent of occurrence and area of occupancy are within the threshold for Endangered using the B criteria. However there has been insufficient decline in the recent past to meet all the subcriteria. An increase in fire frequencies may pose a threat in the near future. As a constituent of the montane rainforest, Austrotaxus may also be vulnerable to climate change impacts in the near future. Continued monitoring is required.
Global threats
An increase in fire frequencies may pose a threat in the near future. As a constituent of the montane rainforest, Austrotaxus may also be vulnerable to climate change impacts in the near future.
Conservation Actions
This species has been recorded from protected areas such as Mont Panie.
References and further reading
Heinweg, U., Scholz, S. & S. Jennewein 2013. Getting to the bottom of Taxol biosynthesis by fungi. Fungal Diversity 60(1):161-170
Jaffré, T., Munzinger, J. and Lowry, P.P. 2010. Threats to the conifer species found on New Caledonia's ultramafic massifs and proposals for urgently needed measures to improve their protection. Biodiversity and Conservation 19: 1485-1502: DOI 10.1007/s10531-010-9780-6.
Jaffre, T., Veillon, J.M. and Cherrier, J.F. 1987. On the occurence of two Cupressaceae, Neocallitropsis pancheri and Libocedrus austrocaledonica in the Mt Paéua area and new sites for the gymnospems in New Caledonia. Bulletin de Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle Section B Adansonia 9(3): 273-288.
