Taxonomy
Red List Status -
Vulnerable (VU) , assessed in 23/07/2015
Pittosporum lanipetalum
©Hervé Vandrot - Vue d'ensemble en fleurs - Roches Ouième - RAP - Mont Panié
Pittosporum lanipetalum is a rare endemic shrub known only from Roches de la Ouaïème in New Caledonia. It is found in open shrubland on volcano-sedimentary substrate, its area of occupancy and extent of occurrence are both equal to 8 km². A fire outbreak fire could affect individuals present in open vegetation zones but likely would not affect the entire population in a single event. According to several field observations, population size is estimated to be fewer than 1,000 mature individuals. Using criteria C, P. lanipetalum qualifies as Vulnerable (VU)D1+2.
Geographical area
P. lanipetalum is a rare endemic shrub known only from Roches de la Ouaïème in New Caledonia.
Population
With only one sub-population known, population size is estimated to be fewer than 1,000 mature individuals.
Habitat
P. lanipetalum is a species of open shrublands on volcano-sedimentary substrate.
Threats
A fire outbreak fire could affect individuals present in open vegetation zones but likely would not affect the entire population in a single event. Uncontrolled bushfires sweep across New Caledonia each year, especially during the dry season (an average of 20,000 ha of land is burnt each year, with dramatic peaks of 70,000 ha). These fires contribute significantly to habitat fragmentation and hence a dramatic decline in the quality of habitat.
Conservation
P. lanipetalum is not protected by any legislation nor does it occurs in any protected areas.
Bibliography
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.
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.
Hély-Alleaume 2012. INC : Incendies et biodiversité des éco-systèmes en Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Tirel, C. & Veillon J.-M. 2002. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 24 : Pittosporaceae.
Experts
Assessor(s): Gemmill, C., Veillon, J., Amice, R., Cazé, H., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Gâteblé, G., Maggia, L.
Reviewer(s): Tanguy, V.
Contributor(s): Vandrot, H.
Facilitator(s): Chanfreau, S.