Psychotria sp. nov. "buerkii" is an endemic shrub of New Caledonia, known from northeastern part of the mountain range in Grande Terre: Mont Panié and Colnett. It occurs in dense humid forest on volcano-sedimentary substrate at an altitudinal range 1,000- 1,600 m asl. The main threats impacting this species comes from habitat degradation caused by invasive species (Sus scrofa). Its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) being both estimated to 8 km², while the number of locations are estimated to be two. Psychotria sp. nov. "buerkii" is therefore assessed as Endangered (EN) with criteria B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v) with a continuing decline of habitat quality and number of individuals.

Geographical area

Psychotria sp. nov. "buerkii" is an endemic shrub of New Caledonia, known from northeastern part of the mountain range in Grande Terre: Mont Panié and Colnett.

Population

It is known from two sub-population : Mont Panié and Colnett.

Habitat

Psychotria sp. nov. "buerkii" occurs in dense humid forest on volcano-sedimentary substrate at an altitudinal range 1,000- 1,600 m asl.

Threats

The main threats impacting this species comes from habitat degradation caused by invasive species (Sus domesticus).

Conservation

Psychotria sp. nov. "buerkii" is not protected by legislation but it occurs in one protected areas : Mont Panié . It is recommended to inform Dayu biik, local NGO in charge of managing Mont Panié area, the Conservatoire d'espaces naturels de Nouvelle-Calédonie (New Caledonia natural spaces conservatory), which coordinates the New caledonian Invasive Species Programme, on the situation of the species in the concerned areas.

Bibliography

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.

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.

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): Ramon, L., Warimavute, G., Tanguy, V., Maura, J.