Taxonomy

endemique
UICN

Synonyms

Pittosporum microphyllum Guillaumin

Red List Status -

Near Threatened (NT) , assessed in 23/07/2015

Endemic shrub of New Caledonia, Pittosporum poumense is a species mostly found on the west coast from Bourail to Poum with a disjunction to the east coast near Thio area (type-locality assigned for this species). P. poumense is found in shrubland from sea level to 800 m asl., mostly on serpentine alluvial. Its area of occupancy and extent of occurrence are equal to 244 and 3347 km² respectively for a total of around twenty localities. Among threats linked to projected continuous decline of habitat are : mining activities, bushfires, but also invasive species such as rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) and feral pigs. Using criteria B, it seems suitable to classify P. poumense under category Near Threatened (NT) close to (VU) B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii).

Geographical area


Endemic shrub of New Caledonia, P. poumense is a species mostly found on west coast from Bourail to Poum with a disjunction to the east coast near Thio area (type-locality assigned for this species).

Population


Population size is unknown.

Habitat


P. poumense is found in shrubland from sea level to 800 m asl., mostly on serpentine alluvial.

Threats


The main threats related to the decline of habitat quality of P. poumense are caused by mining activities, fire and invasive animal species such as rusa deer (Rusa timorensis), wild pigs, as well as induced water stress by environment changes. New Caledonia contains between 20 - 30% of the world’s nickel resources. Intense mining activities since the late 19th century has generated soil erosion (1.2% of bare ground mapped by SPOT5 in 2007).

Conservation


P. poumense is not protected by any legislation and is not known from any protected area. The type specimen collected from Thio described by Balansa raises questions because it is the sole collection on the east coast. Field surveys of this area and/or detailed study on origin of this type are required. According to recent genetic studies, populations of Boulinda, Pindaï, Poum and Tinip show genetic differences. Those populations depict a continuum of genetic variability, which support specific conservation measures for each sub-population be established.

Bibliography


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.

Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.

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.

L'Huillier L.; Jaffré T. and Wulff A. 2010. Mines et Environnement en Nouvelle-Calédonie : les milieux sur substrats ultramafiques et leur restauration.

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.

Facilitator(s): Chanfreau, S.


Geographical distribution