Taxonomy
Synonyms
Pittosporum paniculatum var. comptonii Baker f.Red List Status -
Near Threatened (NT) , assessed in 24/07/2015
Pittosporum paniculatum is an endemic species of New Caledonia found in the center and north-eastern of Grande Terre. A species of dense humid forest on schist or greywacke, P. paniculatum occurs at an altitudinal range 5-820 m asl. A continuous decline of population size is projected due to bushfire and degradations caused by rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) and feral pigs, which could affect P. paniculatum. Mature individuals population size is not precisely known, but it is estimated about 10,000 individuals. Regarding criteria C, P. paniculatum qualifies as Near Threatened (NT) close to (VU) C2a(i).
Geographical area
P. paniculatum is an endemic species of New Caledonia found in center and north-eastern part of Grande Terre.
Population
Mature individuals population size is not precisely known, but based on experts informations, population size is estimated around 10,000 mature individuals.
Habitat
Species of dense humid forest on schist or greywacke, P. paniculatum occurs at an altitudinal range 5-820 m asl.
Threats
Due to its ecology and distribution, P. paniculatum could be affected by bushfires, rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) and pigs, which both caused damages on P. paniculatum habitat.
Conservation
Unprotected species by legislation, P. paniculatum is nevertheless known from several protected areas : Parc des Grandes Fougères, réserve de nature sauvage du mont Panié and réserve de nature sauvage du massif de l’Aoupinié. Current distribution area seems very large, field surveys are required to have a better idea of its effective distribution.
Bibliography
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Hély-Alleaume 2012. INC : Incendies et biodiversité des éco-systèmes en Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Tirel, C. & Veillon J.-M. 2002. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 24 : Pittosporaceae.
Gomez C.; Mangeas M.; Curt T.; Ibanez T.; Munzinger J.; Dumas P.; Jérémy A.; Despinoy M. and Hély C. 2014. Wildfire risk for main vegetation units in a biodiversity hotspot: modeling approach in New Caledonia, South Pacific. Ecology and Evolution(5) , p.377-390.
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.
Experts
Assessor(s): Gemmill, C., Veillon, J., Amice, R., Cazé, H., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Gâteblé, G., Letocart, I., Letocart, D., Maggia, L., Pain, A.
Reviewer(s): Tanguy, V.
Facilitator(s): Chanfreau, S.