Taxonomy
Synonyms
Tieghemopanax reflexus R.Vig. • Panax microbotrys Baill.Red List Status -
Endangered (EN) , assessed in 09/12/2016Protected species -
in Southern Province
Polyscias microbotrys is an endemic shrub/tree found in the central part of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. It is found in humid forest and shrubland at low to high altitude on ultramafic substrate. Main threats are habitat degradation caused by recurrent bushfires, invasive species (Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis)) and ongoing mining activities. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are estimated to be of 1,522 km² and 20 km² while the number of locations is estimated to be four. Polyscias microbotrys is therefore assessed as Endangered (EN) with criteria B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v) with a continuing decline of habitat quality and number of mature individuals.
Geographical area
Polyscias microbotrys is an endemic shrub/tree found in the central part of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. It is sparsely found from Thio to Paéoua.
Population
Population size is unknown. The species is known from four subpopulations.
Habitat
It is found in humid forest and shrubland at low to high altitude on ultramafic substrate.
Threats
Main threats are habitat degradation caused by recurrent bushfires, invasive species (Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis)) and ongoing mining activities (Thio Plateau).
Conservation
This species is not protected by legislation and it does not occur in any protected area. It is recommended to carry prospections in order to locate new subpopulations and eventually to review its red list status. In the mean time, it is suggested to carry basic ex-situ and in-situ conservation efforts, in particular: seeds banking and ensuring the follow-up of known sub-populations
Bibliography
Lowry P.P.L. and Plunkett G.M. 2018. A Taxonomic revision of Polyscias subg. Tieghemopanax.
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.
Experts
Assessor(s): Lowry, P., Amice, R., Bruy, D., Butin, J., Cazé, H., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Goxe, J., Héquet, V., Lannuzel, G., McCoy, S., Schatz, G., Suprin, B., Tanguy, V., Vandrot, H., Veillon, J.
Reviewer(s): Maura, J.
Facilitator(s): Tanguy, V., Warimavute, G.