The most widespread of the three Libocedrus species endemic to New Caledonia. Some localities are potentially threatened by fire and mining
Distribution
This species occurs in several small subpopulations on a few of the higher mountains in the south, with a disjunct location on the summit of Mt Paéoua in the north. Occurs at 700 to 1,300 m.
Regeneration is evident in places.
Habitat and Ecology
Generally found in the understory of dense humid rainforests on ultramafic substrates
Human Uses
No specific uses have been recorded for this species.
Conservation Status
Global Status
Near Threatened
Global Rationale
Despite its limited extent of occurrence (2868 km2) and area of occupancy (36 km2), there is insufficient evidence of decline over its range, hence it is listed as Near Threatened (almost qualifies for listing as threatened under criteria B1a and B2a). This could change rapidly if the northern subpopulations are affected by mining or if other areas are subject to an increase in fire or changes in rainfall patterns. If this happens an assessment of Endangered might be appropriate
Conservation Actions
Subpopulations are known from the Rivière Bleue Provincial Park and Montagne des Sources Nature Reserve. The northen subpopulation needs urgent protection.
References and further reading
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
Thomas, P. 2010. Libocedrus austrocaledonica. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2010: e.T30994A9591105. >span class="doi_link" data-assessment-id="9591105">http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-3.RLTS.T30994A9591105.en. Downloaded on 02 August 2017.