A Rapid Biological Assessment of the Mont Panie Range and Roches De La Ouaieme, North Province, New Caledonia

This report contains the findings from rapid biological assessments around Mont Panie, the tallest mountain in New Caledonia, southwest Pacific. The purpose of the survey was to gather baseline data on biodiversity, analyze local climate trends, assess threats, and identify conservation priorities. The research team surveyed mammals, birds, plants, freshwater fishes and crustaceans, reptiles and amphibians, and dragonflies and damselflies. They also discovered fifteen species of plants and lizards that are potentially new to science, as well as severally other rare species, including the critically endangered Crow Honeyeater. Detailed conservation recommendations are provided.

Francois Tron is team leader of the Province Nord Program for Conservation International in New Caledonia. Jean-Jerome Cassan is vice director of the Environmental Assessment and Conservation Department at Province Nord. Romain Franquet is director of Dayu Biik, the organization in charge of the management of the Mount Panie Wilderness Reserve.