Taxonomy
Pittosporum morierei
Red List Status -
Vulnerable (VU) , assessed in 23/07/2015
Endemic shrub of New Caledonia, Pittosporum morierei is located on massifs of central Grande Terre. P.morierei occurs as isolated individuals in mid altitude dense humid forest on schist and greywacke at an altitudinal range 250-800 m asl. Its area of occupancy is 72 km² for an extent of occurrence of 2,170 km². Population size is not precisely known, but this one could be greater than 10,000 mature individuals. On 7 localities surveyed, habitat degradation of P. morierei was observed to be exclusively due to invasive animal species, specifically rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) and feral pigs. Under criteria B, it seems suitable to classify P.morierei under Vulnerable (VU) B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii).
Geographical area
Endemic shrub of New Caledonia, P. morierei is located on massifs of central of Grande Terre.
Population
Population size is not precisely known, but this species could be greater than 10,000 mature individuals. Field surveys emphasize a weak natural regeneration.
Habitat
P.morierei occurs as isolated individuals in mid altitude dense humid forest on schist and greywacke at an altitudinal range 250-800 m asl.
Threats
Main identified threats are linked to habitat damaging by rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) and pigs, two of the most important invasive species in New Caledonia. Introduced in the 1880's, rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) are now perfectly adapted to New Caledonian habitats.
Conservation
Unprotected species by legislation, P. morierei is however known from réserve de nature sauvage du massif de l’Aoupinié.
Bibliography
Tirel, C. & Veillon J.-M. 2002. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 24 : Pittosporaceae.
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.
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.