Taxonomy
Red List Status -
Data Deficient (DD) , assessed in 23/07/2015
Pittosporum bouletii is a small endemic shrub of New Caledonia known and collected only from two localities : the north-west of Col de Palo and on Tchingou. This species is well characterized by its flower morphology, however, the fruits are unknown. P. bouletii is thus classified under the category Data Deficient until a complete description becomes available.
Geographical area
P. bouletii is a small endemic shrub of New Caledonia known and collected only from two localities : the north-west of Col de Palo and on Tchingou.
Population
The size of the population is unknown but is estimated to be very small.
Habitat
P. bouletii occurs in dense humid forest on area between ultramafic and non-ultramafic substrate.
Threats
Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis), the major invasive animal species of New Caledonia, constitute a threat on regeneration of populations caused by grazing of seedlings. Fires occurring close to Pinus caribaea plantations on the plateau de Tango are also an important threat to consider.
Conservation
P. bouletii is not protected by any legislation nor does it occur in any protected areas of New Caledonia. In order to be able to evaluate the category of threat of this species, it is essential to locate individuals and harvest fruits to complete the description of this species. Molecular genetic analyses confirm that the specimens from both localities are conspecific with P. bouletii. Further field surveys and research, such as fine-scale phylogenetic and ecological studies, is urgently required.
Bibliography
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.
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.
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de 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.