Pycnandra filipes subspecies multiflora is an endemic small tree up to 4,5 m tall restricted to a single continuous calcareous outcrop close to Koumac, in the north-west part of Grande Terre. It is found in sclerophyll forest on calcareous cliffs at an elevation of 200-220m asl. Main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by rusa rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) (Rusa timorensis) and cattle grazing allow us to project 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 8 km² while the species is known from a single continuous calcareous outcrop. Pycnandra filipes subspecies multiflora is therefore assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v)

Geographical area

Pycnandra filipes subspecies multiflora is an endemic small tree up to 4,5 m tall restricted to a single continuous calcareous outcrop close to Koumac, in the north-west part of Grande Terre.

Population

This species is known from two sub-populations: Vallée de la Koumac (Petit Newe), Koumac (close to Pagui). The collection MacKee 16965 was made in 1967 and annotated as ‘locally common’, whereas the specimen MacKee 16966 was a plantlet of the same taxon, indicating regeneration at that time. Twenty-five adult individuals were observed in this locality in 2011 by experts., but with no regeneration.

Habitat

Pycnandra filipes subspecies multiflora is occurs in sclerophyll forest on calcareous cliffs at an elevation of 200-220m asl.

Threats

Main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) and cattle grazing. In 2011 during a scientific mission, no regeneration was observed by experts because of rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) disturbance.

Conservation

Unprotected by legislation, Pycnandra filipes subspecies multiflora does not occur in any protected areas. Ex-situ and in-situ conservation efforts are urgently needed, in particular : ensuring the follow-up of the known sub-populations and preserving it on delimited perimeters. It is moreover recommended to prospect calcareous outcrops in Kaala Gomen and Bondé.

Bibliography

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.

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.

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.

Experts

Assessor(s): Amice, R., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Vandrot, H., Veillon, J.

Reviewer(s): Gâteblé, G.

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

Facilitator(s): Tanguy, V.