Leuchocharis pancheri
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Leuchocharis pancheri faces severe threats from nickel mining operations that have destroyed much of its native habitat in New Caledonia's ultramafic soils. The species' extremely restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat conversion, with mining concessions overlapping critical populations. Invasive plant species further degrade remaining habitat patches, while the species' specialized soil requirements limit potential refuge areas.
Habitat
This endemic sedge is restricted to ultramafic soils in New Caledonia's maquis shrublands, typically growing in open areas with specialized mineral-rich substrates. It occurs at elevations between 200-800 meters in areas with high concentrations of nickel and other heavy metals that few other plant species can tolerate.