The fire ravaging the Prony plain in Mont-Dore also affects endemic species in the South. Dominique Garnier, member of the Endemia Association and Marc Oremus, head of the WWF France office in New Caledonia, warn of the consequences that this fire could have on the fauna and flora.
Since Wednesday January 1, a fire has ravaged the Prony plain in Mont-Dore. To date, 1000 hectares would be affected according to Civil Security. Dominique Garnier, member of the Endemia Association, returns to the risk that this fire may represent for endemic species. Indeed, the southern zone concentrates numerous endemic species of fauna and flora.
“In these areas, we have significant endemism of around 80%, another particularity of New Caledonia is to have micro-endemism. This is the case for certain species from the South We have, for example, Hibbertia bouletii, a small shrub with yellow flowers which is found in the Pernod Creek area, near the confluence with the Rivière des Lacs. elsewhere than in this place There are other species which are specific to the Deep South, such as Grevillea Mondorensis.details Dominique Garnier.
The Pic du Pin area, a nature reserve in the great South, has many endemic species. It is prohibited from access because of the fire raging in the area. “It was classified in the 70s, I think. It’s a nature reserve in the southern province. Just like the Great Kaori Peak. These are peaks with forests that are not yet very well preserved.”
Some species could disappear with the fire of the Prony plain. “Not very long ago in Nouméa and on Pic aux Chèvres, we almost lost two species in a small fire. When we talk about 1000 hectares burned, we are already talking about a megafire. This represents approximately 1500 football fields. It’s colossal. 1000 hectares burned can eradicate several species endemic to New Caledonia, without problem”alert Marc Oremus of WWF France.
The consequences on biodiversity are also significant. “When a fire passes and destroys a forest, it is no longer able to play its role in water resources. In New Caledonia, 94% of water catchment areas are degraded, particularly by fires. If this is repeated every year, unfortunately, the result is poorer quality tap water.” In addition, “watercourses can also be impacted by forests. This is how sediments will end up in the lagoon. We really have an impact from top to bottom which can be felt on the waters of the lagoon and fish resources”, deplores the head of the WWF France office in New Caledonia. “We also have a phenomenon of erosion which can increase since the soil is no longer protected by vegetation,” adds Dominique Garnier.
Passive regeneration of a primary forest does not happen quickly. This can take several centuries according to Marc Oremus. “The 1000 hectare area is not an area that can be easily regenerated,” he said.
After three years of La Niña, where the number of fires was lower due to a humid climate, New Caledonia is once again in a drought situation. “Approximately 20,000 hectares will burn in New Caledonia in 2024.”
Faced with this observation, Marc Oremus recommends an increase in the means of intervention. “In recent years, we have lost two water bomber helicopters, the Australian Bell allowing a more significant air intervention.”
