Pycnandra glaberrima is an endemic tree of Grande Terre in New Caledonia up to 12m tall. It has a disjunct distribution, known from a small area in the central–eastern valleys (Haute Tchamba & Aoupinié) and from Col d’Amieu, which forms the most southern outpost. It occurs in humid forest at low and mid altitude (500-700 m asl.) on volcano-sedimentary substrate. Its area of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are respectively 808 km² and 20 km², while the number of locations is equal to five. Main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) (Rusa timorensis), uncontrolled bushfires and past logging activities allow us to project a continuous decline in the quality of habitat and number of mature individuals. Pycnandra glaberrima is considered Endangered EN: B1ab (iii,v)+B2ab(iii,v).

Geographical area

Pycnandra glaberrima is an endemic tree of Grande Terre in New Caledonia up to 12m tall. It has a disjunct distribution, known from a small area in the central–eastern valleys (Haute Tchamba & Aoupinié) and from Col d’Amieu, which forms the most southern outpost.

Population

It is known from five subpopulations: Amoa, Tchamba, Aoupinié,Mt Pembaï (Col d'amieu), Sentier Ciu-Coinde (Canala).

Habitat

Pycnandra glaberrima is found in humid forest at low and mid altitude (500-700 m asl.) on volcano-sedimentary substrate.

Threats

Main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by rusa rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) (Rusa timorensis), uncontrolled bushfires and past logging activities. Introduced in the 1880's, rusa rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) are now perfectly adapted to New Caledonian habitats. 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). Humid forest in this area suffers severely from previous logging and continuous fires, which may explain the disjunct distribution.

Conservation

Unprotected by legislation, Pycnandra glaberrima occurs in one protected area: Aoupinié. Ex-situ and in-situ conservation efforts are urgently needed, in particular : ensuring the follow-up of the only known sub-populations and preserving it on delimited perimeters. This species also benefit from conservation actions from mine operators (Valé) that report a good germination rate.It is a common species used for tree planting program in protected areas. It also recommended to protect humid forest at low and mid altitude.

Bibliography

Swenson U. and Muzinger J. 2009. Revision of Pycnandra subgenus Pycnandra (Sapotaceae), a genus endemic to New Caledonia. Australian Systematic Botany(22) , p.437-465.

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

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.

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.

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.