Taxonomy

Dendrophyllanthus balansaeanus (Guillaumin) R.W.Bouman
endemique
UICN

Synonyms

Phyllanthus balansaeanus Guillaumin

Red List Status -

Endangered (EN) , assessed in 20/08/2020

Phyllanthus balansaeanus is a shrub of 1-3 m high, endemic of New Caledonia. It has a scattered distribution in the southern part of Grande Terre, between Plum and Ouitchambo. The Coulée's subpopulation is probably extinct due to frquent bush fire events at la Coulée. This species was not seen since 1971 despite prospections in the area. This species occurs in forests undergrowth on ultramafic substrates up to 370 m asl. The main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by uncontrolled bushfires and mining activities at Tontouta massif. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are respectively estimated to be of 474 km² and 48 km² while the number of locations is estimated to be 5. Using criterion B and with the estimation of a continuous decline of the concerned subcriteria, Phyllanthus balansaeanus is assessed as Endangered (EN) B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v)+2ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v).

Geographical area


Phyllanthus balansaeanus is endemic of New Caledonia where it has a scattered distribution in the south of Grande Terre, between Plum and Ouitchambo. The Coulée's subpopulation is probably extinct due to frquent bush fire events at la Coulée. This species was not seen since 1971 despite prospections in the area.

Population


Population size is unknown.

Habitat


Phyllanthus balansaeanus occurs in forest undergrowth on ultramafic substrates up to 370 m asl.

Threats


The main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by uncontrolled bushfires and mining activities at Tontouta massif.

Conservation


Phyllanthus genus is protected by legislation in Province Nord. None of the subpopulations occur within a protected area. It is recommended to list this species in Province Sud 's legislation and to inform the DSCGR (emergency services), responsible for the coordination of the firefighting effort on the presence of the species in the concerned areas. This species should also benefit from in situ and ex situ emergency conservation actions.

Bibliography


McPherson, G.; Schmid, M. 1991. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 17 : Euphorbiaceae II Phyllanthaceae.

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.

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): Warimavute, G., Meyer, S.


Geographical distribution