High endemism and stem density distinguish New Caledonian from other high-diversity rainforests in the Southwest Pacific

摘要

Background and AimsThe biodiversity hotspot of New Caledonia is globally renowned for the diversity and endemism of its flora. New Caledonia’s tropical rainforests have been reported to have higher stem densities, higher concentrations of relictual lineages and higher endemism than other rainforests. This study investigates whether these aspects differ in New Caledonian rainforests compared to other high-diversity rainforests in the Southwest Pacific.