Syzygium poyanum is an endemic small tree or shrub from New Caledonia with a very scattered distribution across Grande Terre. It is found in dry forest and shrubland on volcano sedimentary, ultramafic and calcareous substrates up to 600 m asl. The population size is unknown but field observations indicate a species that is not common. The main threats identified are bushfires and Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) causing a degradation of its habitat quality. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are 3,626 and 44 km², respectively, with an estimation of 5 locations.Therefore, S. poyanum is listed as Endangered (EN) under criteria B1ab(iii,v)+B2ab(iii,v).

Geographical area

S. poyanum is endemic to New Caledonia where it has a very scattered distribution across Grande Terre. It is known from five subpopulations: Temala (in the nord west), Boulouparis, Beaupré, Goapin and Le Sphinx.

Population

Population size is unknown but field observations indicate a non common species.

Habitat

S. poyanum occurs in dry forest and shrubland on volcano sedimentary, ultramafic substrates and clays up to 600 m asl.

Threats

The main threats identified are bushfires and Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) causing a degradation of its habitat quality.

Conservation

This species is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia and it does not occur in any protected areas. However an enclosed area was made to protected one part of Poya's subpopulations against the Rusa deer's threat. It is recommended to inform the Conservatoire d'espaces naturels de Nouvelle-Calédonie (New Caledonia natural spaces conservatory), CEN, which coordinates the New Caledonian Invasive Species Programme, on the presence of the species in the concerned areas. This species should be included in the regional legislation for a better protection of the species and ex situ and in situ conservation efforts are urgently needed, in particular : ensuring the follow-up of the known subpopulations and prospections. The local authority responsible for the coordination of the firefighting effort should be informed about the presence of the species in the concerned areas.

Bibliography

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

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.

Dawson J.W. 1999. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 23 : Myrtaceae Myrtoideae 1 : Syzygium.

Experts

Assessor(s): Héquet, V., Vandrot, H., Barrabé, L., Amice, R., Butin, J., Cazé, H., Fleurot, D., Suprin, B., Chambrey, C., Laudereau, C., Haverkamp, C., Fogliani, B.

Reviewer(s): Gâteblé, G.

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