Taxonomy
Atractocarpus sezitat
Synonyms
Randia sesizat GuillauminRed List Status -
Endangered (EN) , assessed in 20/08/2019
Atractocarpus sezitat is a native shrub or tree from New Caledonia and Vanuatu. It occurs in mesophilic forest on ultramafic and calcareous between 100 and 400 m asl. Its distribution is restricted to the northern half of Grande Terre and Lifou (Loyalty islands). Its extent of occurrence and area of occupancy are estimated at 5,681 and 36 km², respectively. The main threat to this species is habitat degradation by invasive species (rusa deer and possibly feral goats), mainly on Grande Terre. Therefore, A. sezitat is listed as Endangered under criteria B1ab(i,ii,iii)+2ab(i,ii,iii).
Geographical area
A. sezitat is found in New Caledonia and Vanuatu. In New Caledonia, its distribution is restricted to 2 locations in the northern half of Grande Terre (plateau de Tia and Gohapin) and one in Lifou (Loyalty islands).
Population
Total population size is unknown.
Habitat
A. sezitat occurs in mesophilic forest on ultramafic and calcareous between 100 and 400 m asl.
Threats
The main threat to this species in New Caledonia is habitat degradation by invasive species. The subpopulation in Gohapin is severely impacted by rusa deer (Rusa timorensis), with only old or aging individuals remaining. In Lifou island, it is more common, but could be threatened by feral goats.
Conservation
A. sezitat is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia and it does not occur in any protected areas.
Bibliography
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Mouly, A., Barrabé, L. & Bruy, D. 2021. Molecular phylogeny of Atractocarpus (Rubiaceae): taxonomic implications for several New Caledonian Gardenieae species. Plant Ecology and Evolution(154 (1)) , p.111-120.
Guillaumin, A. 1930. Révision des Rubiacées de la Nouvelle-Calédonie. Archives de Botanique de Caen, Mémoires(3(5)) , p.1-48.
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].
Experts
Assessor(s): Bruy, D., Fleurot, D., Suprin, B., Veillon, J.
Facilitator(s): Meyer, S.