Taxonomy
Red List Status -
Near Threatened (NT) , assessed in 15/09/2016
Psychotria wagapensis is an endemic shrub, found in the Grande Terre moutain range from Mont Tonine to Aoupinié in the North of New Caledonia. It occurs in dense humid forest on volcano-sedimentary substrate at an altitudinal range 200- 1,000 m asl. The main impact identified comes from recurrent bushfires and invasive species that contribute to the degradation of the habitat. Its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) being respectively estimated to 32 and 646 km², Psychotria wagapensis is considered Near Threatened (NT) close to VU B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii) with a decline of habitat quality and a number of locations lower than 10.
Geographical area
Psychotria wagapensis is an endemic shrub, found in the Grande Terre mountain range from Mont Tonine to Aoupinié in the North of New Caledonia.
Population
It is known from six sub-populations : Mont Tonine, Inédète, Povila, Haute Tchamba, Tango, Aoupinié.
Habitat
Psychotria wagapensis occurs in dense humid forest on volcano-sedimentary substrate at an altitudinal range 200- 1,000 m asl.
Threats
Recurrent bushfires and invasive species, such as rusa deer (Rusa timorensis), contribute to the degradation of the habitat. However, this species is abundant and does not seem to decline.
Conservation
Unprotected species by legislation, Psychotria wagapensis " occurs in one protected area: Aoupinié.
Bibliography
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de 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. 2013. Systématique et Evolution du genre Psychotria (Rubiaceæ) en Nouvelle-Calédonie.
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): Lannuzel, G., Tanguy, V.
Facilitator(s): Maura, J., Warimavute, G., Tanguy, V., Ramon, L.