VU

Kentiopsis piersoniorum

Unknown

Overview

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

Kentiopsis piersoniorum faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as New Caledonia's unique ultramafic forests are cleared for nickel mining operations. The species' extremely restricted range on serpentine soils makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, while invasive plant species compete for resources in its specialized habitat. Climate change poses an additional long-term threat by altering the moisture regimes essential for this palm's survival in its montane forest environment.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic palm inhabits ultramafic forests on serpentine soils in the montane regions of New Caledonia, typically growing in the understory of specialized vegetation adapted to heavy metal-rich substrates. It occurs at elevations between 400-800 meters in areas with high humidity and consistent moisture levels.

Forest· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies recoveryLegislation

Other threatened species in ARECACEAE

CR

Pelagodoxa mesocarpa

Declining
VU

Rafia

Raphia australis

Declining
Pinanga batanensisCR

Pinanga batanensis

Declining
CR

Pinanga glaucifolia

Declining

Threatened in New Caledonia

EN

Phyllanthus deciduiramus

Declining
VU

Copper Shark

Carcharhinus brachyurus

Declining
EN

Phyllanthus dumbeaensis

Declining
VU

Pittosporum croceum

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Kentiopsis piersoniorum classified as Vulnerable?
Kentiopsis piersoniorum is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Kentiopsis piersoniorum faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as New Caledonia's unique ultramafic forests are cleared for nickel mining operations. The species' extremely restricted range on serpentine soils makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, while invasive plant species compete for resources in its specialized habitat. Climate change poses an additional long-term threat by altering the moisture regimes essential for this palm's survival in its montane forest environment.
Where does Kentiopsis piersoniorum live?
Kentiopsis piersoniorum 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 Kentiopsis piersoniorum?
The main threats to Kentiopsis piersoniorum 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.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.