Taxonomy
Red List Status -
Endangered (EN) , assessed in 15/09/2016Protected species -
in Southern Province
Psychotria ferdinandimuelleri is an endemic shrub of New Caledonia, known from East and north Dumbéa in Grande Terre. An old herbarium specimen (1951) was collected at Kalouehola. It occurs in forest or shrubland on ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range 0-600 m asl. The main impact identified comes from bushfires. Its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) being respectively estimated to 12 and 72 km², while the number of locations are estimated to be three. Psychotria ferdinandimuelleri is therefore assessed as Endangered (EN) with criteria B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v)+2ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v) with a continuing decline of all concerned sub-criteria.
Geographical area
Psychotria ferdinandimuelleri is an endemic shrub of New Caledonia, known from East and North Dumbéa in Grande Terre. An old herbarium specimen (1951) was collected at Kalouehola.
Population
It is known from three sub-populations: Kalouehola (1951), East and North Dumbéa.
Habitat
Psychotria ferdinandimuelleri occurs in forest or shrubland on ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range 0-600 m asl.
Threats
Main identified threat is linked to habitat damaging by uncontrolled bushfires. 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). Lowest parts of ultramafic areas are particularly exposed to such risk.
Conservation
Psychotria ferdinandimuelleri is unprotected by legislation but it occurs in two protected areas : Montagne des sources, la Dumbéa. It is recommended to inform the DSCGR (emergency services) on the presence of the species in the concerned areas. This species would benefit from ex-situ and in-situ emergency conservation actions. It is proposed to ensure the follow-up of known sub-populations, to preserve a viable population on delimited perimeters on the mining area. It would be moreover advised to realize multiplication tests in order to assist future planting operations. It is proposed to integrate this species in the Haute Dumbéa restoration project. It would be moreover advised to prospect Kalouehola area.
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.
Barrabé L, Maggia L, Pillon Y, Rigault F, Mouly A, Davis AP, Buerki S 2014. New Caledonian lineages of Psychotria (Rubiaceae) reveal different evolutionary histories and the largest documented plant radiation for the archipelago. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution(71) , p.15-35.
Barrabé L. 2013. Systématique et Evolution du genre Psychotria (Rubiaceæ) en Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Experts
Assessor(s): Barrabé, L., Amice, R., Bruy, D., Cazé, H., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Gâteblé, G., Hequet, V., Maura, J., McCoy, S., Suprin, B., Vandrot, H., Veillon, J.
Reviewer(s): Tanguy, V., Lannuzel, G.
Facilitator(s): Ramon, L., Warimavute, G., Tanguy, V., Maura, J.