Taxonomy
Red List Status -
Vulnerable (VU) , assessed in 23/07/2015
Pittosporum scythophyllum is a shrub to small tree (up to 15 m) endemic to New Caledonia. P. scythophyllum is continuously distributed along the east coast, from massif Humboldt to Monéo with two disjunctions in the area of Yaté and Mont-Dore. P. scythophyllum is a species found in shrubland and forest edges on ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range 2-1,000 m asl. For the seventeen identified localities, major threats include mining activities, bushfires and degradations caused by invasive species, resulting in a projected continuous decline. Observed as isolated trees within a locality, the total population is estimated to be fewer than 10,000 mature individuals. Using criteria C, P. scythophyllum qualifies for Vulnerable (VU) C2a(i).
Geographical area
P. scythophyllum is continuously distributed on the east coast, from massif Humboldt to Monéo with two disjunctions zone on Yaté and Mont-Dore area.
Population
Populations of P. scythophyllum are composed of isolated plants, whose total size is estimated to be fewer than 10,000 mature individuals. From recent field surveys, regeneration is very low.
Habitat
P. scythophyllum is a species found in shrubland and forest edges on ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range 2-1,000 m asl.
Threats
Some of the P. scythophyllum localities in shrublands on ultramafic substrate are directly impacted by mining activities. Bushfires as well as invasive species such rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) and pigs could constitute potential threats for P. scythophyllum.
Conservation
P. scytophyllum is not protected by legislation nor is it known from any protected areas. Active field surveys on the hillsides of Côte Oubliée massifs are recommended. For stations located on mines, protection measures will be beneficial and routine monitoring should be established.
Bibliography
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Gomez C.; Mangeas M.; Curt T.; Ibanez T.; Munzinger J.; Dumas P.; Jérémy A.; Despinoy M. and Hély C. 2014. Wildfire risk for main vegetation units in a biodiversity hotspot: modeling approach in New Caledonia, South Pacific. Ecology and Evolution(5) , p.377-390.
L'Huillier L.; Jaffré T. and Wulff A. 2010. Mines et Environnement en Nouvelle-Calédonie : les milieux sur substrats ultramafiques et leur restauration.
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.
Tirel, C. & Veillon J.-M. 2002. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 24 : Pittosporaceae.
Hély-Alleaume 2012. INC : Incendies et biodiversité des éco-systèmes en Nouvelle-Calédonie.
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.