Taxonomy
Pittosporum mackeei
Red List Status -
Endangered (EN) , assessed in 23/07/2015Protected species -
in Southern Province
Pittosporum mackeei is an uncommon endemic small shrub, occurring exclusively in Ponérihouen area at an altitudinal range 100-500 m asl. Its area of occupancy is equal to 20 km² and its extent of occurrence to 428 km² for a total of 5 populations which are all threatened by rusa deer (Rusa timorensis). Rusa deer is an invasive species completely adapted to neo-caledonian ecosystems, and is the cause of the continuous decline in habitat quality of P. mackeei and other native and endemic plant species of humid forests. Using criteria B, P. mackeei qualifies for Endangered (EN) B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii).
Geographical area
P.mackeei is an uncommon endemic small shrub, occurring exclusively in the center part of Grande Terre in Ponérihouen area.
Population
Population size is unknown. Observed individuals are usually isolated plants.
Habitat
P. mackeei is a species present in dense humid forest on schist, greywackes and occasionally on calcareous (height of Nato).
Threats
The main threat comes from rusa deer (Rusa timorensis), which were introduced in New Caledonia in the 1880's. This invasive species is now perfectly adapted to New Caledonian habitats and is affecting native plants directly (killing plants by eating bark and seedlings) and indirectly (through habitat degradation).
Conservation
Unprotected by legislation, P. mackeei is however known from réserve de nature sauvage du massif de l’Aoupinié.
Bibliography
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Tirel, C. & Veillon J.-M. 2002. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 24 : Pittosporaceae.
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.
Experts
Assessor(s): Gemmill, C., Veillon, J., Amice, R., Cazé, H., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Gâteblé, G., Maggia, L.
Reviewer(s): Tanguy, V.
Facilitator(s): Chanfreau, S.