Alyxia torquata is an endemic small tree from New Caledonia. It has a discontinuous distribution across the west coast of Grande Terre, from Mont Mou to Poya. This species is found in forest undergrowth and sclerophyllous forest on non ultramafic substrate up to 500 m asl. The main threat comes from the degradation of forest habitat caused by urbanization, agriculture, uncontrolled bushfires. Consumption of fruit by rat and habitat degradation due to Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) are also threats to consider. Its area of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are respectively 4,546 km² and 76 km² while the number of locations is estimated to be 5. Some low elevation subpopulations may have disappeared in particular at Sarraméa area. A. torquata is therefore considered Endangered (EN) according to criteria B1ab(i,ii,iii,v)+2ab(i,ii,iii,v) with a decline of all the concerned subcriteria.

Geographical area

Alyxia torquata is endemic to New Caledonia where it has a discontinuous distribution across the west coast of Grande Terre, from Mont Mou to Poya.

Population

The population size is not known.

Habitat

Alyxia torquata occurs in in forest undergrowth and sclerophyllous forest on non ultramafic substrate up to 500 m asl.

Threats

A species of dry forest, A. torqueata is highly threatened by disappearance of its habitat. According to scientific community, dry forests in New Caledonia represent only 1% of their original surface. Despite the establishment of a programme dedicated to the conservation of dry forest, A. torquata remains threatened by uncontrolled bushfires, urbanization and clearing related to agriculture. Consumption of fruit by rat and habitat degradation due to Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) are also threats to consider.

Conservation

Protected species by legislation in Province Nord but not in Province Sud, A. torquata only occurs in one protected area: Mont Mou. This species would benefit from ex situ and in situ emergency conservation actions. It is recommended to inform tthe DSCGR (government department overseeing firefighting actions) on the presence of the species in the concerned areas.

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.

Munzinger J., Morat Ph., Jaffré T., Gâteblé G., Pillon Y., Rouhan G., Bruy, D., Veillon J.-M., & M. Chalopin 2020. FLORICAL: Checklist of the vascular indigenous flora of New Caledonia [continuously updated].

Lannuzel et al. 2024. Alyxia Banks ex R.Br. in New Caledonia: a clarification of several species complexes, nomenclatural notes, and a description of three new species. Phytotaxa(649 (1)) , p.1-43.

Boiteau Pierre avec collaboration de Lucie Allorge 1982. Flore de la Nouvelle Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 10 : Apocynacées.

Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.

Experts

Assessor(s): Amice, R., Bruy, D., Butin, J., Cazé, H., Fleurot, D., Héquet, V., Bernard-Musmann, M., Goxe, J., Lagrange, A., Lannuzel, G., Laudereau, C., Vandrot, H.

Reviewer(s): Pillon, Y.

Facilitator(s): Warimavute, G., Fourdrain, A., Meyer, S.