Taxonomy
Synonyms
Tieghemopanax regalis Lowry, in herb.Red List Status -
Endangered (EN) , assessed in 09/12/2016Protected species -
in Southern ProvincePolyscias regalis is an endemic shrub/tree found in the central part of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. It is found in humid forest at high altitude on volcano-sedimentary substrate. Main threats are habitat degradation caused by recurrent bushfires and invasive species (Rusa rusa deer (Rusa timorensis)). Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are estimated to be of 8 km² while the number of locations is estimated to be two. Polyscias regalis 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 regalis is an endemic shrub/tree found in the central part of Grande Terre in New Caledonia (Dogny and Koindé).
Population
Population size is unknown. This species is known from two subpopulations. This species is rare (fewer than 10 mature individuals observed in Koindé).
Habitat
It is found in humid forest at high altitude on volcano-sedimentary substrate.
Threats
Main threats are habitat degradation caused by recurrent bushfires and invasive species (Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis)).
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 have a better knowledge of its distribution and collect recent material. 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. Patches of humid forest should be protected, as on Dogny which host several threatened species.
Bibliography
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.
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
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): Warimavute, G., Tanguy, V.