Pichonia balansana is an endemic tree of New Caledonia, that grows up to 20 m tall. It is known from two sub-populations on Grand Terre: Koumac and Ouamenie, but is also naturally quite common on Lifou and Maré (Loyalty Islands). Pichonia balansana occurs in mesic forest on limestone substrate at an altitudinal range of 60-200 m asl. Although the species is not threatened in the Loyalty Islands, recurrent bushfires and invasive species (such as Rusa deer) have severe impacts on the subpopulations from Grande Terre. Its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) are respectively estimated to be 36 km² and 25,257 km². Pichonia balansana is therefore listed as Near Threatened (NT), close to VU under criterion B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v)+2ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v)

Geographical area

Pichonia balansana is an endemic tree of New Caledonia. It is known from two subpopulations on Grande Terre (Koumac and Ouaménie), but it is also naturally quite common on Lifou and Maré (Loyalty Islands).

Population

Population size is unknown. It is known from seven sub-populations. This species is quite common on Lifou and Maré (Loyalty Islands) and those subpopulations' size is estimated to be bigger than 10,000 mature individuals.

Habitat

Pichonia balansana is found in mesic forest on an limestone substrate at an altitudinal range 60-200 m asl.

Threats

Recurrent bushfires and invasives species such as Rusa Deer (Rusa timorensis) on Grande Terre contribute to the loss and degradation of habitat. Uncontrolled fires sweep across lowlands of New Caledonia each year, especially during the dry season (an average of 20,000 ha of land is burnt each year). No threat is identified in Lifou and Maré.

Conservation

This species is not protected by any legislation in New Caledonia, and it does not occur in any protected area. It is recommended to prospect in the Koumac area.

Bibliography

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

Butaud, J.-F. 2014. Flore des îles Loyauté (Nouvelle-Calédonie) : plantes patrimoniales, plantes envahissantes et espaces naturels remarquables.

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.

Swenson U. and Muzinger J. 2012. Revision of Pichonia (Sapotaceae) in New Caledonia. Australian Systematic Botany(25) , p.31-48.

Experts

Assessor(s): Cazé, H., Garnier, D., Goxe, J., Héquet, V., McCoy, S.

Reviewer(s): Gâteblé, G.

Contributor(s): Swenson, U., Munzinger, J.

Facilitator(s): Maura, J., Bernard-Musmann, M.