Taxonomy
Red List Status -
Endangered (EN) , assessed in 10/05/2016Protected species -
in Southern Province
Pycnandra caeruleilatex is an endemic shrub or tree from New Caledonia, restricted to the south of Grande Terre, from Forêt Nord to Kuebini. It is found in dense humid forest on ultramafic substrate at an altitude of 220-260 m asl. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are respectively 23 km² and 20 km², while the number of locations is equal to five. The main identified threats are linked to ongoing mining activities, air-borne pollutants, bushfires and wood harvesting, which are likely causing a continuous decline in the quality of habitat and number of mature individuals. Pycnandra caeruleilatex is considered Endangered (EN) B1ab(iii,v)+B2ab(iii,v).
Geographical area
Pycnandra caeruleilatex is an endemic shrub or tree of New Caledonia restricted in the south of Grande Terre,from Forêt Nord to Kuebuni.
Population
It is known from five subpopulations: Forêt Nord, Wadjana, near the Vale NC plant and two at Kuebini. It is a naturally uncommon species and only two trees were found in a survey of 6,000 trees with a dbh >5 cm at Forêt Nord.
Habitat
Pycnandra caeruleilatex is found in dense humid forest on ultramafic substrate at an altitude of 220-260 m asl.
Threats
Main identified threats are linked to ongoing mining activities: Goro (Vale), Air-borne pollutants (Forêt Nord), bushfires and wood harvesting (Kuébini).
Conservation
Unprotected species by legislation, Pycnandra caeruleilatex occur in one protected area: Forêt Nord. Phenologic follow-up are conducted by the mining operator (Vale - Rare species conservation plan) since 2011 but no seed has been observed. Present monitoring of P. caeruleilatex populations should be continued.
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.
Swenson U. and Muzinger J. 2010. Taxonomic revision of Pycnandra subgenus Trouettia (Sapotaceae), with six new species from New Caledonia. Australian Systematic Botany(23) , p.333-370.
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.
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.