Taxonomy

Pycnandra goroensis (Aubrév.) Swenson & Munzinger
endemique
protegee
UICN

Synonyms

Leptostylis goroensis Aubrév.

Red List Status -

Critically Endangered (CR) , assessed in 10/05/2016

Protected species -

in Southern Province

Pycnandra goroensis is a New Caledonian endemic shrub up to 2m tall only known from rocky slopes of Wadjana waterfall near Goro in the south-eastern part of Grande Terre. It is found in low humid forest on ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range 10-c.250 m asl. The main identified threats are linked to the impact on water regimes as a result of water use, potential extension of mining activities and bushfires. These threats are likely to be causing a continuous decline in the quality of habitat and number of mature individuals. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are estimated to be of 4 km² while the species is known from a single location. Observations report a total population size fewer than 50 mature individuals. Pycnandra goroensis is therefore assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v); C2a(i,ii); D.

Geographical area


Pycnandra goroensis is an endemic shrub up to 2m tall only known from rocky slopes of Wadjana waterfall near Goro in the south-eastern part of Grande Terre.

Population


This species is known from a single population. It is reported less than fifty mature individuals, only three individuals have been reported. Regeneration is reported to be poor.

Habitat


Pycnandra goroensis occurs in low humid forest on ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range 10-250 m asl.

Threats


Main identified threats are linked to impact on the water regimes as a result of the water use, potential extension of mining activities: Goro (VALE) and bushfires.

Conservation


Protected by legislation in Province Sud, Pycnandra goroensis does not occur in any protected area. Ex-situ and in-situ conservation efforts are urgently needed, in particular : ensuring the follow-up of the only known sub-population and preserving it on delimited perimeters. It is also recommended to prospect upstream forest areas. Phenologic follow-up were conducted by the mining operator (Vale) and has been stopped. Multiplication tests were successful conducted. Propagation through cuttings of Pycnandra goroensis should be continued.

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.

Swenson U. and Muzinger J. 2016. Five new species and a systematic synopsis of Pycnandra (Sapotaceae), the largest endemic genus in New Caledonia. Australian Systematic Botany(29) , p.1-40.

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

Swenson U. and Muzinger J. 2015. Revision of Pycnandra subgenus Leptostylis and description of subgenus Wagapensia (Sapotaceae), a genus endemic to New Caledonia. Australian Systematic Botany(28) , p.91-110.

Experts


Assessor(s): Cazé, H., Garnier, D., Goxe, J., Héquet, V., McCoy, S.

Reviewer(s): Gâteblé, G.

Contributor(s): Munzinger, J., Swenson, U.

Facilitator(s): Bernard-Musmann, M., Maura, J.


Geographical distribution