Phyllanthus avanguiensis is a shrub of 1-1.5 m high, endemic of New Caledonia. It is restricted to the Boulinda massif in the central part of Grande Terre. This species occurs in clear forest undergrowth and in maquis on ultramafic substrates at an altitude range of 30 and 400 m asl. The main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by uncontrolled bushfires and indirectly by mining activities (road constructions) at Boulinda massif. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are respectively estimated to be of 16 km² and 16 km² while the number of locations is estimated to be 3. Using criterion B and with the estimation of a continuous decline of its habitat quality, AOO and number of mature individuals, Phyllanthus avanguiensis is assessed as Endangered (EN) B1ab(ii,iii,v)+2ab(ii,iii,v).

Geographical area

Phyllanthus avanguiensis is endemic to New Caledonia where it is restricted to the Boulinda massif in the central part of Grande Terre.

Population

Population size is unknown.

Habitat

Phyllanthus avanguiensis occurs in clear forest undergrowth and in maquis on ultramafic substrates at an altitude range of 30 and 400 m asl.

Threats

The main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by uncontrolled bushfires and indirectly by mining activities (road constructions, prospection for minerals in the area) at Boulinda massif due to road constructions.

Conservation

Phyllanthus genus is protected by legislation in Province Nord. None of the subpopulations occur within a protected area. This species should benefit from in situ and ex situ emergency conservation actions. It is recommended to inform the DSCGR (emergency services), responsible for the coordination of the firefighting effort on the presence of the species in the concerned areas. It is moreover suggested to realise field surveys at Némoui valleys and better estimate its distribution range and population size.

Bibliography

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.

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

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

Experts

Assessor(s): Amice, R., Barrière, R., Butin, J., Cazé, H., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Gâteblé, G., Héquet, V., Laudereau, C., Vandrot, H., Veillon, J.

Reviewer(s): Lannuzel, G.

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