EN

Actinokentia huerlimannii

Declining

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Actinokentia huerlimannii faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as New Caledonia's unique maquis shrublands are cleared for mining operations and urban development. The species' extremely limited range on ultramafic soils makes it particularly vulnerable to nickel mining activities, which directly destroy the specialized substrate this palm requires. Fire regimes altered by human activity pose an additional threat to remaining populations in this fire-sensitive ecosystem.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic palm occurs exclusively in maquis shrublands on ultramafic soils in New Caledonia, typically found on serpentine substrates that support specialized plant communities. The species is restricted to specific geological formations that create the unique soil chemistry required for its survival.

Forest· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionEx-situ conservationLegislation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Actinokentia huerlimannii classified as Endangered?
Actinokentia huerlimannii is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Actinokentia huerlimannii faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as New Caledonia's unique maquis shrublands are cleared for mining operations and urban development. The species' extremely limited range on ultramafic soils makes it particularly vulnerable to nickel mining activities, which directly destroy the specialized substrate this palm requires. Fire regimes altered by human activity pose an additional threat to remaining populations in this fire-sensitive ecosystem.
Where does Actinokentia huerlimannii live?
Actinokentia huerlimannii occurs in New Caledonia. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Actinokentia huerlimannii?
The main threats to Actinokentia huerlimannii are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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