Impacts of introduced ungulates (cows and deer) on sclerophyllous formations
Characteristics of the different bird species of the dry forest
The struggle against the little fire ant
Inventory of the reptiles of the dry forest

Field surveys

This initial activity will determine the current localization of the last dry forests. The Environmental Services of the North and South Provinces will then be able to identify priority protection sites in terms of integrity, surface area and real estate status. As of present, six priority sites have been identified in the North Province, representing 500ha of tropical dry forest. The South Province plans to define the priority sites with a goal of 1500ha of dry forest.

Impacts of introduced ungulates (cow and dear) on sclerophyllous formations

An evaluation of the impact of herbivores on the natural vegetation will determine the threshold of herbivore density that is compatible with maintaining the integrity of the forests. From this evaluation, recommendations will be generated for a long term management adapted for herbivores.

Characteristics of the different bird species of the dry forest

The comparative biodiversity of the sclerophyllous forests will be studied, particularly the indicator species of the different formations at different phases of evolution. The density and the species richness will be calculated as functions of the surface area, the complexity of the botanical architecture (stratification), the plant diversity and the state of degradation (fire, entanglement of the undergrowth, grazing damage).

The struggle against the little fire ant

A study of the invasion of the little fire ant, as well as research on methods of screening for and combating against the little fire ant, will be carried out in priority sites of the dry forest.

Inventory of the reptiles of the dry forest

Given the complete absence of data on the herpetofauna of this area, a census and inventory of priority sites in New Caledonia is proposed.

Microbiological study of the soil of the sclerophyllous forest of New Caledonia

A study of the potentialities of the soils, including an evaluation of their fertility, is fundamental to improving our knowledge of the sclerophyllous forest ecosystem.
It is well known that in the soil, microflora is responsible for the constant mineralization of organic matter which releases the minerals essential to plant nutrition. The importance and the activity of this microflora reflects the fertility of the soil. Additionally, certain microbial groups, in particular the symbiotes, play a determinant role in the direct nutrition and adaptation of plants: a study of the microflora can therefore open up new possibilities for reforestation and for the rehabilitation of degraded forests.

Agrometeorology

An agrometeorological (ecophysiological) study of the areas to be restored will aid in interpreting the results of natural regeneration after rehabilitating the plots.
To do this, measuring stations must be installed for characterization of:
- the general microclimate of the plots, including a collection of simple meteorological parameters,
- the evolution of the humidity in the soil,
- the photosynthesis and the flux of the sap of young trees in a plantation, in relation to the evaporative demands of the air.
Two stations must therefore be planned (one per protected site), equipped with captors placed in different situations (degraded zone, natural reconstitution zone, plantation zone).

Natural substances of the sclerophyllous forest

The value of the sclerophyllous forest as national heritage depends in part on the valorization, present or future, of the natural substances coming from the unique species bequeathed to this ecosystem. The pharmaceutical industry is potentially interested, in the sense that new molecules isolated from the plants of the sclerophyllous forest and reproduced by chemical synthesis can be used in treating cancer, cardiovascular disease, immune system disorders and central nervous system degeneration. Add to this list malaria, dengue fever, AIDS and poly-antibiotic resistant infections. In this sector, the value is no longer in the culture of the so-called medicinal plants, but in the royalties resulting from the development of new ideas, under the condition that clear and binding contracts plan for this before work begins.

On the other hand, other industries susceptible to be interested in the primary materials could give rise to local development, under the form of the production of certified extracts: the cosmetic industry is on the lookout for products acting on aging skin, the perfume industry is looking for original scents to include in unique compositions and the food sector is searching for new additives, colorants and various food complements of natural origin.