Phyllanthus virgultiramus is shrub of 0.5-2 m high, endemic of New Caledonia. It is only known from Koniambo massif, in the north west of Grande Terre. The subpopulation of Vavouto peninsula is potentially extinct due to the impact of mining activities (urbanization of the site). This species occurs in maquis and in dense humid forest undergrowth on ultramafic soil between 450 and 900 m asl. Known from a single location, its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are estimated to 12 km² and 12 km². The main threat is posed by mining activities at Koniambo causing habitat degradation. Therefore, Phyllanthus virgultiramus is listed as Critically Endangered (CR) under criteria B1ab(ii,iii,v), with an estimated decline of all the concerned subcriteria.

Geographical area

Phyllanthus virgultiramus is endemic of New Caledonia where it is only known from Koniambo massif, in the north west of Grande Terre. The subpopulation of Vavouto peninsula is potentially extinct due to the impact of mining activities (urbanization of the site).

Population

Population size is unknown.

Habitat

Phyllanthus virgultiramus occurs in maquis and in dense humid forest undergrowth on ultramafic soil between 450 and 900 m asl.

Threats

The main threat is posed by mining activities at Koniambo massif causing habitat degradation.

Conservation

Phyllanthus genus is protected by legislation in Province Nord. None of the subpopulations occur within a protected area. This species would benefit from ex situ (knowledge improvement on the species - multiplication tests) and in situ emergency conservation actions. It is proposed to monitor known populations and to preserve a viable population on a delimited site where invasive species are under control. Further prospection in Koniambo is also important to determine the total population size and better understand potential threats. Finally, awareness on this species should be raised amongst local stakeholders.

Bibliography

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

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): 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.