Phyllanthus aoupinieensis is a small shrub 0.5-3 m high, endemic of New Caledonia and it is restricted in the north of Grande Terre. It is known from 4 subpopulations : Mt. Arago, Ponérihouen, Ouaté and Atéou. It occurs in undergrowth humid forests on ultramafic or volcano-sedimentary soils at an altitude range of 250 and 960 m asl. Population size is unknown but field observations indicate a species locally common at Aoupinié. This species does not seem significantly threatened. However some subpopulations may be impacted by invasive species (Rusa Deer, Rusa timorensis) which can contribute to the decline of its habitat quality. Its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) are respectively estimated to 20 and 254 km². Phyllanthus aoupinieensis is considered Near Threatened (NT) close to VU B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii) with an estimated decline in habitat quality.

Geographical area

Phyllanthus aoupinieensis is endemic to New Caledonia and it is restricted in the north of Grande Terre. It is known from 4 subpopulations : Mt. Argao, Ponérihouen, Ouaté and Atéou.

Population

Population size is unknown but field observations indicate a species locally common at Aoupinié.

Habitat

Phyllanthus aoupinieensis occurs in undergrowth humid forests on ultramafic or volcano-sedimentary soils at an altitude range of 250 and 960 m asl.

Threats

Phyllanthus aoupinieensis does not seem significantly threatened. However some subpopulations may be impacted by invasive species (Rusa Deer, Rusa timorensis) which can contribute to the decline of its habitat quality.

Conservation

Phyllanthus genus is protected by legislation in Province Nord. Phyllanthus aoupinieensis does occur in one protected area : Aoupinié. Due to a small number of observations, it is recommended to realise prospection in Tchamba and Pala Wala.

Bibliography

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].

McPherson, G.; Schmid, M. 1991. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 17 : Euphorbiaceae II Phyllanthaceae.

Experts

Assessor(s): Amice, R., Bruy, D., Butin, J., Cazé, H., Fleurot, D., Héquet, V., Lannuzel, G., Laudereau, C., Lagrange, A., Veillon, J., Garnier, D., Dumontet, V., Goxe, J., McCoy, S., Gâteblé, G.

Reviewer(s): Warimavute, G.

Facilitator(s): Warimavute, G., Vandrot, H., Meyer, S.