Phyllanthus umbricola is a shrub of 0.4-2(-4) m high, endemic to New Caledonia and restricted to the far south and south-east of Grande Terre, from Goro to Touaourou. This species was also observed at Prony Bay by Balansa in 1868. However it may be locally extinct due to the high decline of the habitat quality in the area by recurrent bushfire events. This species occurs in maquis and forest undergrowth on ultramafic substrates up to 150 m asl. The main identified threats are linked to the habitat damage by uncontrolled bushfires and potential impact of mining activities at Goro. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are respectively estimated to 128 km² and 36 km² while the number of location is estimated to be four. Using criterion B and with the estimation of a continuous decline of its habitat quality and number of mature individuals, Phyllanthus umbricola is assessed as Endangered (EN) B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v).

Geographical area

Phyllanthus umbricola is endemic to New Caledonia where it is restricted to the far south and south-east of Grande Terre, from Goro to Touaourou. This species was also observed at Prony Bay by Balansa in 1868. However it may be locally extinct due to the high decline of the habitat quality in the area by recurrent bushfire events.

Population

Population size in unknown.

Habitat

Phyllanthus umbraecola occurs in maquis and in undergrowth forests on ultramafic substrates up to 150 m asl.

Threats

The main identified threats are linked to the habitat damage by uncontrolled bushfires and potential impact of mining activities at Goro.

Conservation

Phyllanthus genus is protected by legislation in Province Nord. Phyllanthus umbraecola does occur in 2 protected areas: Rivière bleue, Haute Yaté. It is recommended to list this species in the Province Sud legislation. 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 Prony Bay and at the south of Grande Terre.

Bibliography

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.

Munzinger J., Morat Ph., Jaffré T., Gâteblé G., Pillon Y., Rouhan G., Bruy, D., Veillon J.-M., & M. Chalopin 2020. FLORICAL: Checklist of the vascular indigenous flora of New Caledonia [continuously updated].

Experts

Assessor(s): Amice, R., Bruy, D., Butin, J., Cazé, H., Fleurot, D., Héquet, V., Lannuzel, G., Laudereau, C., Lagrange, A., Veillon, J., Garnier, D., Dumontet, V., Goxe, J., McCoy, S., Gâteblé, G.

Reviewer(s): Warimavute, G.

Facilitator(s): Vandrot, H., Warimavute, G., Meyer, S.