Trisyngyne balansae

There is little literature available regarding threats to Nothofagus species. The species is potentially threatened by the major threats of climate change and nickel mining which are having a devastating effect on much of New Caledonia’s flora. The degree to which this impacts the species specifically is not known.

The region is experiencing rapid economic growth, rising population and the constant mining for nickel is causing many species to become fragmented and extinct in parts of the island. Many Nothofagus species habituate to lower montane forests (600–800 m) which suggests that these species are unlikely to be able to shift in response to a changing climate due to poor wind dispersal and the need for specialised soil conditions. Nickel mining is a threat to the species near Kopéto, Koniambo, Kiel, Négropo, Ménazi where mining sites are present and causing risk to the species (L. Barrabé pers. comm. 2018). 

 The species may also be affected by the increase of fire. There are concerns of a reduced regeneration potential for Nothofagus forests within New Caledonia especially following fires where rainforest is often replaced by xerophytic woodland or maquis. As there is growing incidence of fire on the island this could become a greater threat to the species as its native habitat is lost. Nothofagus has not been known to invade these new habitats. At present, it is unknown the extent to which this change impacts N. balansae (Veblen et al. 1996).

BGCI Plant Search (2017) states, there are currently no ex situ collections of the species; it is recommended these are made. The species is found in three protected areas Rivière Bleue, Pic du Pin and Montagne des Sources.