Endangered New Caledonian endemic mushroom coral Cantharellus noumeae in turbid, metal-rich, natural and artificial environments.
Since its description in 1984, little attention has been paid to the New Caledonian endemic mushroom coral Cantharellus noumeae (Fungiidae), an IUCN Red-listed, endangered coral species. Our study presents the first ever quantitative assessment conducted on C. noumeae populations for two contrasting sites in the same turbid bay. Sites differed by their substrates of artificial or natural origins. Metal concentrations of superficial sediment were measured. C. noumeae was found in high densities in metal-rich and turbid environments at both locations, reaching up to 288 individuals per 50m(2). It was 3.5 times more abundant on natural rock than on artificial substrates. Recruitment was also higher proportionally on rock (47% vs 7-14%). The composition of the associated coral communities included 30-37 species occurring in low densities. Our findings clarify the environmental niche of this species and its colonization potential, in order to eventually better characterize its conservation status.
GINGER SOPRONER, Nouméa, New Caledonia. Electronic address: antoine.gilbert@soproner.nc.
Antoine
A
Gilbert
GINGER SOPRONER, Nouméa, New Caledonia.
Tom
T
Heintz
Department of Marine Zoology, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, PO Box 9517, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands.
Bert W
BW
Hoeksema
Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milan, Italy; UMR-9220 ENTROPIE (Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Université de la Réunion, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique), Laboratoire d'Excellence CORAIL, Nouméa, New Caledonia.
Francesca
F
Benzoni
AEL, Nouméa, New Caledonia.
Jean Michel
JM
Fernandez
UMR-9220 ENTROPIE (Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Université de la Réunion, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique), Laboratoire d'Excellence CORAIL, Nouméa, New Caledonia.
Cécile
C
Fauvelot
UMR-9220 ENTROPIE (Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Université de la Réunion, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique), Laboratoire d'Excellence CORAIL, Nouméa, New Caledonia.
Serge
S
Andréfouët
D000363:Agaricales / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D037421:Anthozoa / Q000502:physiology*; D061006:Bays; D017753:Ecosystem; D056727:Endangered Species; D008670:Metals; D009510:New Caledonia
D008670:Metals
Coral community; Fungiidae; IUCN Red-List; Nickel mining; Sediment; UNESCO World Heritage