Phyllanthus chamaecerasus var. chamaecerasus is an endemic shrub from New Caledonia, where it is only known from col d'Amoss at the north east of Grande Terre. This subspecies was originally collected by Vieillard in a vague locationin the 1860s, Balade, in the northern east of Grande Terre. This species was collected for the second time by Munzinger in 2002 at col d'Amoss. This subspecies occurs in low forest undergrowth on volcano-sedimentary soil. Known from a single location, its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are estimated to 4 km² and 4 km². The main threat is posed by bushfires causing habitat degradation. Therefore, Phyllanthus chamaecerasus var. chamaecerasus is listed as Critically Endangered (CR) under criteria B1ab(iii,v)+B2ab(iii,v) with an estimated decline of its habitat quality and the number of mature individuals.

Geographical area

Phyllanthus chamaecerasus var. chamaecerasus is endemic to New Caledonia where it is only known from col d'Amoss at the north east of Grande Terre. This subspecies was originally collected by Vieillard in a vague locationin the 1860s, Balade, in the northern east of Grande Terre. This subspecies was collected for the second time by Munzinger in 2002 at col d'Amoss.

Population

Population size is unknown.

Habitat

Phyllanthus chamaecerasus var. chamaecerasus occurs in low forest undergrowth on volcano-sedimentary soil.

Threats

The main threat is posed by bushfires causing habitat degradation.

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 col d'Amoss to collect more biological material and better estimateare estimate its distribution range and population size.

Bibliography

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

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.

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.