Taxonomy
Synonyms
Pouteria egassia Baehni • Beccariella novocaledonica (Dubard) Aubrév.Red List Status -
Vulnerable (VU) , assessed in 29/11/2019
Pleioluma novocaledonica is an endemic tree or shrub of New Caledonia, where it is mostly restricted to the south of Grande Terre. It occurs in shrubland on ultramafic substrate between 200 and 800 m asl. The main threats to this species are bushfires and mining activities. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are 2,367 and 48 km², respectively, and the number of locations is estimated to be nine. Therefore, P. novocaledonica is listed as Vulnerable (VU) under criteria B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v)+B2ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v).
Geographical area
P. novocaledonica is endemic to New Caledonia, where it is mostly restricted to the south of Grande Terre, with observations between Thio and Kouaoua as well.
Population
Population size is unknown.
Habitat
This shrub or treelet grows in low elevation shrubland ('maquis') on ultramafic substrate from 200 and 800 m asl.
Threats
The main threat to this species is posed by bushfires and mining activities (Kouaoua, Dothio, Goro).
Conservation
P. novocaledonica is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia, but it occurs in four protected areas: Montagne des Sources, Barrage de Yaté and Pic du Pin natural reserves, as well as the Rivière Bleue provincial park. This species would benefit from ex-situ and in-situ conservation actions. It is proposed that monitoring should occur to ensure the persistence of the known population. To ensure the preservation of a viable population, it is recommended to inform the DSCGR (government department overseeing firefighting actions) on the presence of the species in the concerned areas.
Bibliography
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Aubréville A. 1967. Flore de la Nouvelle Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 01 : Sapotacées.
Swenson U., Nylander J.A.A. & Munzinger J. 2018. Phylogeny, species delimitation and revision of Pleioluma (Sapotaceae) in New Caledonia, a frequently gynodioecious genus. Australian Systematic Botany(31) , p.120-165.
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].
Experts
Assessor(s): Barrault, J., Bruy, D., Butin, J., Cazé, H., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Gâteblé, G., Laudereau, C., Mandaoué, L., Munzinger, J., Vandrot, H.
Reviewer(s): Swenson, U.
Facilitator(s): Warimavute, G., Tanguy, V., Meyer, S.