Gilbert A. auteur aut IRD Heintz T. auteur aut IRD Hoeksema B. W. auteur aut IRD Benzoni Francesca auteur aut IRD Fernandez J.M. auteur aut IRD Fauvelot Cécile auteur aut IRD Andréfouët Serge auteur aut IRD text journalArticle eng text/pdf born digital access 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 50 m(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. specialized Fungiidae Sediment Nickel mining Coral community IUCN Red-List UNESCO World Heritage NOUVELLE CALEDONIE GRANDE RADE BAIE 036 038 100 1 359-369 2015 0025-326X https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010066037 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.08.024 0025-326X [F B010066037] https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010066037 https://www.documentation.ird.fr/intranet/publi/2016/01/010066037.pdf Accès réservé (Intranet de l'IRD) IRD - Base Horizon / Pleins textes 2016-02-02 2017-08-23 fdi:010066037 fre