Parsonsia affinis is an endemic liana of New Caledonia. It has a scattered distribution across the Grande Terre, from la Conception at the southern part of the main land to the upper limit at les 3 Creeks. It occurs in humid forests on volcano-sedimentary substrate and more rarely on ultramafic substrate at an altitude range of 60-700 m asl. The main threats are uncontrolled bushfires and rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) that contribute to the decline of its habitat quality. Parsonsia affinis can remain locally abundant in some stations. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are estimated to be of 5,300 km² and 28 km² with an estimation of seven locations. Parsonsia affinis is therefore assessed as Vulnerable (VU) with criteria B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v) with a continuing decline of its habitat quality and number of mature individuals.

Geographical area

Parsonsia affinis is endemic to New Caledonia where it has a scattered distribution across the Grande Terre, from la Conception at the southern part of the main land to the upper limit at les 3 Creeks.

Population

The population size is not known but based on field prospections, Parsonsia affinis can remain locally abundant in some stations.

Habitat

Parsonsia affinis occurs in humid forests on volcano-sedimentary substrate and more rarely on ultramafic substrate at an altitude range of 60-700 m asl.

Threats

The main threats are uncontrolled bushfires and rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) that contribute to the decline of its habitat quality

Conservation

Parsonsia affinis is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia and it does not occur in any protected area.

Bibliography

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.

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].

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

Boiteau Pierre avec collaboration de Lucie Allorge 1982. Flore de la Nouvelle Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 10 : Apocynacées.

Experts

Assessor(s): Amice, R., Bruy, D., Cazé, H., Fleurot, D., Gâteblé, G., Lannuzel, G., Laudereau, C., Vandrot, H., Pillon, Y.

Reviewer(s): Eltabet, N.

Facilitator(s): Warimavute, G., Meyer, S.