Phyllanthus tritepalus is a shrub up to 3 m high, endemic of New Caledonia. It is only known from Boakaine in the south east coast of Grande Terre. This species occurs in maquis and in undergrowth forests on ultramafic substrates at an altitude of around 150 m asl. The main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by uncontrolled bushfires. In 2019, a big bushfire event have occurred in the Boakaine region. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are respectively estimated to be of 4 km² and 4 km² while the number of locations is estimated to be 1. Using criterion B and with the estimation of a continuous decline of its habitat quality and number of mature indivuals, Phyllanthus tritepalus is assessed as Critically endangerd (CR) B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v).

Geographical area

Phyllanthus tritepalus is endemic to New Caledonia where it is only known from Boakaine in the south east coast of Grande Terre.

Population

Population size is unknown.

Habitat

Phyllanthus tritepalus occurs in maquis and in undergrowth forests on ultramafic substrates at an altitude range of 154 m asl.

Threats

The main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by uncontrolled bushfires.

Conservation

Phyllanthus genus is protected by legislation in Province Nord. Phyllanthus tritepalus does not occur in any protected area. Ex situ and in situ conservation efforts are recommended, in particular: monitoring of known subpopulations and the preservation of a viable population within delimited perimeters. It would be moreover advised to preserve patches of humid forest within delimited perimeters where this species is known.

Bibliography

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.

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

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., Meyer, S., Vandrot, H.