Taxonomy
Synonyms
Phyllanthus pindaiensis M.SchmidRed List Status -
Critically Endangered (CR) , assessed in 20/08/2020
Description
Phyllanthus pindaiensis is an endemic shrub from New Caledonia, where it is only known from Pindaï, in the north western part of Grande Terre. This species occurs in dry forest on calcareous soil up to 100 m asl. 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, frequent in this area and invasive species (Rusa timorensis) causing habitat degradation. Therefore, Phyllanthus pindaiensis is listed as Critically Endangered (CR) under criteria B1ab(iii,v)+B2ab(iii,v), with an estimated decline of the habitat quality and the number of mature individuals.
Geographical area
Phyllanthus pindaiensis is endemic of New Caledonia where it is only known from Pindaï, in the north-western part of Grande Terre.
Population
Population size is not known.
Habitat
Phyllanthus pindaiensis occurs in dry forest on calcareous soil up to 100 m asl.
Threats
The main threat is posed by bushfires, frequent in this area and invasive species (Rusa timorensis) causing habitat degradation.
Conservation
Phyllanthus genus is protected by legislation in Province Nord. None of the subpopulations occur within a protected area while dry forests benefit from a conservation programme managed by the Conservatoire des Espaces Naturels. Dry forests are a patrimonial ecosystem protected by the Code de l'Environnement of the Province Sud. This species would benefit from in situ and ex situ emergency conservation actions. It is also 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.
Bibliography
McPherson, G.; Schmid, M. 1991. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 17 : Euphorbiaceae II Phyllanthaceae.
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.
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
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.