EN

Pycnandra comptonioides

Declining

Overview

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

Pycnandra comptonioides faces severe pressure from nickel mining operations across New Caledonia's ultramafic soils, which directly destroy its specialized habitat. The species' extremely limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation from mining expansion and associated infrastructure development. Fire regimes altered by human activities pose an additional threat to remaining populations in this fire-sensitive ecosystem.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic New Caledonian species occurs exclusively on ultramafic soils derived from serpentine and peridotite rocks, typically in shrubland and low forest formations. It is restricted to specific geological substrates that support unique plant communities adapted to high concentrations of heavy metals including nickel and magnesium.

Forest· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionLegislation

Frequently asked questions

Why is Pycnandra comptonioides classified as Endangered?
Pycnandra comptonioides 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. Pycnandra comptonioides faces severe pressure from nickel mining operations across New Caledonia's ultramafic soils, which directly destroy its specialized habitat. The species' extremely limited distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation from mining expansion and associated infrastructure development. Fire regimes altered by human activities pose an additional threat to remaining populations in this fire-sensitive ecosystem.
Where does Pycnandra comptonioides live?
Pycnandra comptonioides 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 Pycnandra comptonioides?
The main threats to Pycnandra comptonioides 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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