Araucaria nemorosa is endemic to New Caledonia. This species is assessed as Critically Endangered due to severe fragmentation of the population, its very small extent of occurrence (EOO = 32 km²), and continuing decline in range, habitat and population size. The total population is smaller than 5,000 mature individuals, occurring within two locations. More than 90% of the population is found within seven fragments around Port Boisé, while the remaining 10% occurs slightly inland at Forêt Nord, where a smelter is being developed. This area is the focus of an ongoing restoration programme. Subpopulations in the immediate vicinity of Port Boisé are primarily threatened by fire. Genetic research indicates high levels of inbreeding as a result of severe fragmentation.

This species is endemic to the Port Boisé area in southern New Caledonia, occurring from sea level to 200 m asl.

The total population size is estimated to be smaller than 5,000 mature individuals. More than 90% of the population occurs in seven small fragments in the Port Boisé area. The remaining 10% occurs in a small fragment known as Forêt Nord, several kilometres inland. Ecological surveys indicate that this species was more widespread, but has undergone significant reduction in the recent past. There is evidence of inbreeding throughout the population.

The main population of this species occurs on a level plateau just inland from Port Boisé at around 20–40 m asl. The trees stand in small groups or wide apart among low (to 10 m) and open to dense evergreen forest or scrub, interspersed with nearly black, stony areas (cuirasse) almost devoid of vegetation.

Around Port Boisé it is vulnerable to increasing wildfires, occasional felling and the expansion of human habitation. At Forêt Nord the subpopulation is within the mining development of VALE NC. Recent research has indicated that all subpopulations are showing signs of inbreeding.

The species has been harvested for local timber use in the past and that is still continuing in places.

This species has some protection in province Sud at Foret Nord. It is not present in any officially protected areas. This species is recorded from 23 ex situ collections (BGCI 2024).

The subpopulation at Forêt Nord is in a fenced area (built in 2005) in order to protect it from physical impacts linked to the mining project. Structural and genetic studies (Kettle et al. 2007, 2008) has shown that the genetic diversity of this species is declining and inbreeding is a problem.