Taxonomy
Synonyms
Leptostylis grandifolia VinkRed List Status -
Endangered (EN) , assessed in 10/05/2016Protected species -
in Southern Province
Pycnandra grandifolia is an endemic tree of the central parts of Grande Terre in New Caledonia up to 12m tall, known from Mt. Mou to Col Petchicara. It occurs in mesic forest at low and mid altitude (200-350 m asl.) on volcano-sedimentary substrate. Its area of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are respectively 624 km² and 20 km², while the number of locations is equal to five. Main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) and uncontrolled bushfires. Pycnandra grandifolia is considered Endangered EN: B1ab (i,ii,iii,v)+B2ab(i,ii,iii,v) with a continuing decline of all sub-criteria.
Geographical area
Pycnandra grandifolia is an endemic small tree, up to 9m tall, of the central parts of Grande Terre in New Caledonia up to 12m tall, known from Mt. Mou to Col Petchicara.
Population
It is known from five subpopulations: Mt. Mou, Col Petchicara (Versant Dothio), Kouaré, Karopin (Boulouparis), Ouaménie.
Habitat
Pycnandra grandifolia is found in mesic forest at low and mid altitude (200-350 m asl.) on volcano-sedimentary substrate.
Threats
Main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) and uncontrolled bushfires. Introduced in the 1880's, rusa deer are now perfectly adapted to New Caledonian habitats. The mesic forest of Ouaménie is locally very damaged by the introduced rusa deer (Rusa timorensis), hindering the species from regenerating. Uncontrolled bushfires sweep across New Caledonia each year, especially during the dry season (an average of 20,000 ha of land is burnt each year, with dramatic peaks of 70,000 ha).
Conservation
Unprotected by legislation, Pycnandra grandifolia does not occur in any protected area. Ex-situ and in-situ conservation efforts are urgently needed, in particular : ensuring the follow-up of the only known sub-populations and preserving it on delimited perimeters. It is also recommended to prospect Mont Nekou area, where it was formerly observed.
Bibliography
Swenson U. and Muzinger J. 2016. Five new species and a systematic synopsis of Pycnandra (Sapotaceae), the largest endemic genus in New Caledonia. Australian Systematic Botany(29) , p.1-40.
Swenson U. and Muzinger J. 2015. Revision of Pycnandra subgenus Leptostylis and description of subgenus Wagapensia (Sapotaceae), a genus endemic to New Caledonia. Australian Systematic Botany(28) , p.91-110.
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
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.
Experts
Assessor(s): Cazé, H., Garnier, D., Goxe, J., Héquet, V., McCoy, S.
Reviewer(s): Gâteblé, G.
Contributor(s): Swenson, U., Munzinger, J.
Facilitator(s): Bernard-Musmann, M., Maura, J.