Taxonomy
Synonyms
Phyllanthus dzumacensis M.SchmidRed List Status -
Vulnerable (VU) , assessed in 20/08/2020
Description
Phyllanthus dzumacensis is a shrub of 1.5-4m high, endemic of New Caledonia and restricted to the south of the Grande Terre, from Dumbéa to Tontouta. This species occurs in maquis or undergrowth forests on ultramafic up to 600 m asl. The main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by uncontrolled bushfires and urbanization. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are respectively estimated to be of 57 km² and 48 km² while the number of locations is estimated to be 7. Using criterion B and with the estimation of a continuous decline of its habitat quality, AOO and number of mature individuals, Phyllanthus dzumacensis is assessed as Vulnerable (VU) B1ab(ii,iii,v)+2ab(ii,iii,v).
Geographical area
Phyllanthus dzumacensis is endemic to New Caledonia where it is restricted to the south of the Grande Terre, from Dumbéa to Tontouta.
Population
Population size in unknown.
Habitat
Phyllanthus dzumacensis occurs in maquis or undergrowth forests on ultramafic up to 600 m asl.
Threats
The main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by uncontrolled bushfires and urbanization that contribute to the decline of habitat quality.
Conservation
Phyllanthus genus is protected by legislation in Province Nord. Phyllanthus dzumacensis does occur in two protected areas: Haute Dumbéa and la Dumbéa. This species would benefit from in situ and ex situ conservation actions. It is also 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 Kalouéholato valleys and better estimate its distribution range and population size.
Bibliography
McPherson, G.; Schmid, M. 1991. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 17 : Euphorbiaceae II Phyllanthaceae.
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.
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): Meyer, S., Warimavute, G.