Taxonomy
Synonyms
Phyllanthus unifoliatus M.SchmidRed List Status -
Vulnerable (VU) , assessed in 20/08/2020
Description
Phyllanthus unifoliatus is a shrub of 1-1.5 m high, endemic of New Caledonia with a scattered distribution across the Grande Terre. This species occurs in dry forests and mesophilous forests on volcano-sedimentary substrates up to 420 m asl. The main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by uncontrolled bushfires, livestock grazing and urbanization. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are respectively estimated to be of 8,903 km² and 48 km² while the number of locations is estimated to be 8. Using criterion B and with the estimation of a continuous decline of its habitat quality, AOO and number of mature individuals, Phyllanthus unifoliatus is assessed as Vulnerable (VU) B1ab(ii,iii,v)+2ab(ii,iii,v).
Geographical area
Phyllanthus unifoliatus is endemic to New Caledonia where it has a scattered distribution across the Grande Terre.
Population
Population size is unknown.
Habitat
Phyllanthus unifoliatus occurs in dry forests and mesophilous forests on volcano-sedimentary substrates up to 420 m asl.
Threats
The main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by uncontrolled bushfires, livestock grazing and urbanization.
Conservation
Phyllanthus genus is protected by legislation in Province Nord. None of the subpopulations occur within a protected area. This species should benefit from in situ and ex situ emergency conservation actions. It is recommended to inform the DSCGR (emergency services), responsible for the coordination of the firefighting effort on the presence of the species in the concerned areas. It is moreover suggested to realise field surveys at Gatope to better estimate its distribution range and population size.
Bibliography
Morat, P.; Jaffré, T.; Tronchet, F.; Munzinger, J.; Pillon, Y.; Veillon, J.-M. and Chalopin, M. 2012. Le référentiel taxonomique Florical et les caractéristiques de la flore vasculaire indigène de la Nouvelle-Calédonie [The taxonomic database « FLORICAL » and characteristics of the indigenous flora of New Caledonia]. Adansonia sér 3(34) , p.177-219.
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
McPherson, G.; Schmid, M. 1991. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 17 : Euphorbiaceae II Phyllanthaceae.
Experts
Assessor(s): Amice, R., Barrière, R., Butin, J., Cazé, H., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Gâteblé, G., Héquet, V., Laudereau, C., Vandrot, H., Veillon, J.
Reviewer(s): Lannuzel, G.
Facilitator(s): Meyer, S., Warimavute, G.