Phyllanthus dorotheae is a sub-shrub of 20-80 cm high, endemic of New Caledonia. This species is restricted to the centre and the east of Grande Terre, from Dothio to Bâ (Bwa). Phyllanthus dorotheae occurs in undergrowth forests and riverbanks on volcano-sedimentary substrates between 50 and 700 m asl. The Houailou (nearby by Nindiah riverbanks) location was last observed in 1984 and it may be locally extinct due to the high decline of the habitat quality in the area caused by Rusa deer. The main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by invasive species (Rusa timorensis) and deer grazing. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are respectively estimated to be of 845 km² and 20 km² while the number of locations is estimated to be 5. Using criterion B and with the estimation of a continuous decline of its habitat quality and number of mature individuals, Phyllanthus dorotheae is assessed as Endangered (EN) B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v).

Geographical area

Phyllanthus dorotheae is endemic to New Caledonia where it is restricted to the central part and the eastern part of Grande Terre. The Houailou location was last observed in 1984 and it may be locally extinct due to the high decline of the habitat quality in the area. Prospection are recommended to confirm or refute its presence.

Population

Population size is not known.

Habitat

Phyllanthus dorotheae occurs in undergrowth forests and riverbanks on volcano-sedimentary substrates between 50 and 700 m asl.

Threats

The main identified threats are linked to deer grazing and habitat damage by invasive species (Rusa deer, Rusa timorensis).

Conservation

Phyllanthus genus is protected by legislation in Province Nord. Phyllanthus dorotheae does not occur in any protected area. It is recommended to inform 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. It is also recommended to realise field surveys at Houailou at Nindah riverbanks to confirm or refute its presence and better estimate its threat status.

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): Meyer, S., Vandrot, H., Warimavute, G.