Pytinicarpa comptonii is small herb endemic from New Caledonia. It is only known from two subpopulations restricted to the massifs of Ouazangou and Taom areas in the north west of Grande Terre. It occurs in open scrubland (maquis minier) on ultramafic substrates, on serpentines and even serpentinic alluvium at the base of the massifs and on peridotitic derived soil at an altitude range of 50 m to 1,000 m asl. The main threat is posed by uncontrolled bushfires and urbanisation at low elevation at Tinip. The high elevation populations is impacted by mining activities at Ouazangou-Taom massif, especially on the Ouazangou mountain (Ititiaty et al. 2020). With four localities, an EOO of 72 km² and an AOO of 32 km², Pytinicarpa comptonii is proposed as Endangered (EN) under criteria B1ab (i,ii,iii,v)+2ab(i,ii,iii,v), with a decline of the concerned sub-criteria.

Geographical area

Pytinicarpa comptonii is endemic to New Caledonia where it is only known from two subpopulations restricted to the massifs of Ouazangou and Taom areas in the north west of Grande Terre.

Population

The population size is is not known.

Habitat

This species occurs in open scrubland (maquis minier) on ultramafic substrates, on serpentines and even serpentinic alluvium at the base of the massifs and on peridotitic derived soil at an altitude range of 50 m to 1,000 m asl.

Threats

The main threat is posed by uncontrolled bushfires and urbanisation at low elevation at Tinip. The high elevation populations is impacted by mining activities at Ouazangou-Taom massif, especially on the Ouazangou mountain (Ititiaty et al. 2020).

Conservation

Pytinicarpa comptonii is not protectected by legislation in New Caledonia and it does not occur in any protected area. It is recommended to inform the DSCGR (emergency services) on the presence of the species in the concerned areas. This species would benefit from ex- situ and in-situ emergency conservation actions. It is moreover suggested to promote its growing in nurseries, to integrate it in future green space planning and to raise awareness on this species amongst local stakeholders. And it is recommended to monitor subpopulations, and to preserve a viable population within delimited perimeters in Kaala site.

Bibliography

Lannuzel G., Pignal M. & Gâteblé G. 2022. Pytinicarpa (Asteraceae, Astereae) in New Caledonia.. Phytotaxa(574 (2)) , p.121-136.

Nesom GL 2001. Taxonomic notes on Keysseria and Pytinicarpa (Asteraceae: Asterae, Lageniferinae).. SIDA, contributions to botany(19) , p.513-518.

Nesom GL 1994. Pytinicarpa (Asteraceae: Asterae), a new genus from New Caledonia.. Phytologia(76 (2)) , p.136-142.

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

Munzinger J., Morat Ph., Jaffré T., Gâteblé G., Pillon Y., Rouhan G., Bruy, D., Veillon J.-M., & M. Chalopin 2020. FLORICAL: Checklist of the vascular indigenous flora of New Caledonia [continuously updated].

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): Amice, R., Bruy, D., Cazé, H., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Héquet, V., Lagrange, A., Lannuzel, G., Laudereau, C., McCoy, S., Vandrot, H.

Reviewer(s): Pillon, Y.

Facilitator(s): Fourdrain, A., Warimavute, G.