Taxonomy

endemique
protegee
UICN

Red List Status -

Critically Endangered (CR) , assessed in 15/09/2016

Protected species -

in Southern Province

Psychotria pininsularis is an endemic shrub of New Caledonia, known from Pic N'Ga in Ile des Pins. It occurs in shrubland on ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range 0-200 m asl. Main identified threat is linked to habitat damaging by uncontrolled bushfires. Its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) are both equal to four km², while the species is known to exist at only a single location. Psychotria pininsularis is therefore assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) with criteria B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v) with a decline of habitat quality and number of mature individuals.

Geographical area


Psychotria pininsularis is an endemic shrub of New Caledonia, known from Pic N'Ga in Ile des Pins.

Population


It is only known from a single population : Pic N'Ga (Ile des Pins).

Habitat


Psychotria pininsularis occurs in shrubland on ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range 0-200 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).

Conservation


Psychotria pininsularis is unprotected by legislation and it does not occur in any protected area. 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. Moreover a protected area should be etablished in Pic N'Ga. It would be advised to realize multiplication tests in order to assist future planting operations. It is recommended to inform the DSCGR (emergency services) and local Management Committee on the presence of the species in the concerned areas. Prospection around Pic N'Ga are urgently needed.

Bibliography


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

Barrabé L. 2013. Systématique et Evolution du genre Psychotria (Rubiaceæ) en 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.

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.

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): Maura, J., Ramon, L., Tanguy, V., Warimavute, G.


Geographical distribution