Parsonsia flexilis is an endemic liana of New Caledonia, restricted to the north west coast of the Grande Terre. It occurs from Voh at the southern limit to Ponérihouen at its northern limit of the main land as well as in Belep islands. This species occurs in dense forests on ultramafic substrate at an altitude range of 5-500 m asl. The main threats are uncontrolled bushfires and mining activities at Tiebaghi that contribute to the decline of its habitat quality. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are estimated to be of 1,218 km² and 36 km² with an estimation of six locations. Parsonsia flexilis is therefore assessed as Vulnerable (VU) with criteria B1ab(ii,iii,v)+2ab(ii,iii,v) with a continuing decline of all the concerned criteria.

Geographical area

Parsonsia flexilis is endemic to New Caledonia where it is restricted to the north west coast of the Grande Terre, from Voh in the southern limit to Ponérihouen at its northern limit as well as in Belep islands.

Population

The population size is not known.

Habitat

Parsonsia flexilis occurs in in dense forests on ultramafic substrate at an altitude range of 5 -500 m asl.

Threats

The main threats are uncontrolled bushfires and mining activities at Tiebaghi that contribute to the decline of its habitat quality.

Conservation

Parsonsia flexilis is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia. It does not occur in any protected area.

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.

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

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].

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

Experts

Assessor(s): Amice, R., Bruy, D., Cazé, H., Fleurot, D., Gâteblé, G., Lannuzel, G., Laudereau, C., Vandrot, H., Pillon, Y.

Reviewer(s): Eltabet, N.

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