Taxonomy
Red List Status -
Critically Endangered (CR) , assessed in 24/07/2015Protected species -
in Southern Province , in Northern Province
Pittosporum gatopense is an endemic tree of New Caledonia restricted to low altitude sclerophyllous forest patches of coastline. Characterized by an area of occupancy of 70 km², an extent of occurrence of 757 km², a population size estimated fewer than 250 mature individuals, P. gatopense constitutes a rare species. Last census report of the population found fewer than 50 mature individuals by sub-populations. Regarding to threats that form all together invasive species, bushfire, animal husbandry and urban development on P. gatopense, a continuous decline is predicted. Using criteria C, P. gatopense qualifies as Critically Endangered (CR) C2a(i).
Geographical area
P. gatopense is an endemic tree of New Caledonia restricted to the area of Poya to Voh on the west coast.
Population
On the basis of 7 known sub-populations and last observations, population size is estimated to be fewer than 250 mature individuals on which sub-populations size are estimated to be fewer than 50 mature individuals.
Habitat
P. gatopense is restricted to low altitude sclerophyllous forest patches of coastline on shallow soil for calcareous soil type and deeper soil for black tropical clay soil.
Threats
The main identified threats are linked to damages on habitat. Sclerophyllous forest are indeed subject to multiple threats such as bushfire, animal husbandry, urbanisation and building construction related to KNS mining project. The animal invasive species constitute also a threat for natural regeneration (ex : consumption of fruit by rat). Rusa rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) is now perfectly adapted to New Caledonian habitats and is affecting native plants directly (killing plants by eating bark and seedlings) and indirectly (through habitat degradation). According to the scientific community, dry forest represent only 1% of its original size in New Caledonia.
Conservation
Protected by legislation in Province Nord and Province Sud, P. gatopense is monitored by Conservatoire des Espaces Naturels on fenced Népouiri area. A plot, called "zone Jaffré", has been fenced at the initiative of KNS. Field surveys are required on Moindou locality to confirm or not diseapearance of this station. In order to ensure longevity for this species, wildlife corridors should be maintained between sub-populations to avoid fragmentation. Finally in situ reintroduction associated with a monitoring are recommended to quickly stop population decline.
Bibliography
Hély-Alleaume 2012. INC : Incendies et biodiversité des éco-systèmes en Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Gomez C.; Mangeas M.; Curt T.; Ibanez T.; Munzinger J.; Dumas P.; Jérémy A.; Despinoy M. and Hély C. 2014. Wildfire risk for main vegetation units in a biodiversity hotspot: modeling approach in New Caledonia, South Pacific. Ecology and Evolution(5) , p.377-390.
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Bouchet, P.; Jaffré, T. and Veillon J.-M. 1995. Plant extinction in New Caledonia: protection of sclerophyll forest urgently needed. Biodiversity and Conservation(4) , p.415-428.
Tirel, C. & Veillon J.-M. 2002. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 24 : Pittosporaceae.
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): Gemmill, C., Veillon, J., Amice, R., Cazé, H., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Gâteblé, G., Letocart, I., Letocart, D., Maggia, L., Pain, A.
Reviewer(s): Tanguy, V.
Facilitator(s): Chanfreau, S.