Taxonomy
Synonyms
Tieghemopanax taomensis Lowry, in herb.Red List Status -
Critically Endangered (CR) , assessed in 09/12/2016Protected species -
in Southern Province , in Northern Province
Polyscias taomensis is an endemic shrub found in the north-west of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. This species is known from a single massif (Taom). It is found in altitudinal shrubland on ultramafic substrate. Main threats are recurrent bushfires. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are both estimated to be of 8 km² while the number of locations is estimated to be 1. Polyscias taomensis is therefore assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) with criteria B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v) with a continuing decline of AOO, habitat quality and number of mature individuals.
Geographical area
Polyscias taomensis is an endemic shrub found in the north-west of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. This species is known from a single massif (Taom).
Population
Population size is unknown.
Habitat
It is found in altitudinal shrubland (800-900 m asl) on ultramafic substrate.
Threats
Main threats are recurrent bushfires.
Conservation
This species is protected by legislation in province Nord but it does not occur in any protected area. It is recommended to carry prospections. As this species is threatened by bushfires, its stations must be included in the maps of Sécurité Civile.
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): Warimavute, G., Tanguy, V.