Taxonomy
Red List Status -
Endangered (EN) , assessed in 09/12/2016Protected species -
in Southern Province
Polyscias puberula is an endemic shrub/tree found in the central part of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. It is found in humid forest at low and mid altitude on volcano-sedimentary substrate. Main threats are habitat degradation caused by recurrent bushfires and logging in the past. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are estimated to be of 489 km² and 20 km² while the number of locations is estimated to be five. Polyscias puberula is therefore assessed as Endangered (EN) with criteria B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v) with a continuing decline of habitat quality and number of mature individuals.
Geographical area
Polyscias puberula is an endemic shrub/tree found in the central part of Grande Terre in New Caledonia, from Aoupinié to Ponandou.
Population
Population size is unknown. This species is rare. It is known from five subpopulations.
Habitat
It is found in humid forest at low and mid altitude on volcano-sedimentary substrate.
Threats
The main threats are habitat degradation caused by recurrent bushfires. In the past, logging was also a threat.
Conservation
This species is not protected by legislation but it occurs in one protected area: Aoupinié. It is recommended to carry prospections in order to locate new subpopulations and eventually to review its red list status. In the mean time, it is suggested to carry basic ex-situ and in-situ conservation efforts, in particular: seeds banking and ensuring the follow-up of known sub-populations
Bibliography
Lowry P.P.L. and Plunkett G.M. 2018. A Taxonomic revision of Polyscias subg. Tieghemopanax.
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
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.
Experts
Assessor(s): Lowry, P., Amice, R., Bruy, D., Butin, J., Cazé, H., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Goxe, J., Héquet, V., Lannuzel, G., McCoy, S., Schatz, G., Suprin, B., Tanguy, V., Vandrot, H., Veillon, J.
Reviewer(s): Maura, J.
Facilitator(s): Tanguy, V., Warimavute, G.