Taxonomy
Synonyms
Tieghemopanax nothisii Lowry, ined.Red List Status -
Endangered (EN) , assessed in 09/12/2016Protected species -
in Southern Province , in Northern Province
Polyscias nothisii is an endemic shrub/tree found discontinuously on the west coast of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. It is found in dry forest at low altitude on calcareous or volcano-sedimentary substrate. Main threats are habitat degradation caused by recurrent bushfires and invasive species (Rusa rusa deer (Rusa timorensis)) as well as land clearing. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are estimated to be of 1,536 km² and 44 km² while the number of locations is estimated to be five. Polyscias nothisii is therefore assessed as Endangered (EN) with criteria B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii) with a continuing decline of habitat quality.
Geographical area
Polyscias nothisii is an endemic shrub/tree found discontinuously on the west coast of Grande Terre in New Caledonia.
Population
Population size is unknown. Good regeneration has been observed in private garden.
Habitat
It is found in dry forest at low altitude on calcareous or volcano-sedimentary substrate.
Threats
Main threats are habitat degradation caused by recurrent bushfires and invasive species (Rusa rusa deer (Rusa timorensis)) as well as land clearing (Népoui, Téréka).
Conservation
This species is protected by legislation in province Nord and province Sud. It does not occur in any legally protected area but it is known in a fenced area (Tiéa). As this species is threatened by bushfires, its stations must be included in the maps of Sécurité Civile. It is recommended to inform the "Forêt Sèche" conservation programme so that efforts on dry forest protection (fencing, restoration) are pursued.
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.
Lowry P.P.L. and Plunkett G.M. 2018. A Taxonomic revision of Polyscias subg. Tieghemopanax.
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.