Taxonomy
Pichonia daenikeri
Synonyms
Pouteria daenikeri (Aubrév.) comb. ined. • Planchonella daenikeri Aubrév.Red List Status -
Vulnerable (VU) , assessed in 10/05/2016Protected species -
in Southern Province , in Northern Province
Pichonia daenikeri is an endemic shrub or small tree of New Caledonia, that grows up to 4 m tall. It is found along Grande Terre's north-western coast, from Ouaté to Poum. P. daenikeri occurs in shrubland on ultramafic substrates at an altitudinal range of 200-700 m asl. Ongoing mining activities and uncontrolled bushfires are the main identified threats. Its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) are respectively estimated to be 116 km² and 1,394 km² while the number of locations is estimated to be nine. P. daenikeri is therefore considered Vulnerable (VU) according to criteria B1ab(i,ii,iii,v)+B2ab(i,ii,iii,v) with a continuing decline of all concerned criteria.
Geographical area
Pichonia daenikeri is found along Grande Terre’s north-western coast, from Ouaté to Poum.
Population
Population size is unkown. It is known from eleven sub-populations.
Habitat
Pichonia daenikeri is found in shrubland on ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range 200-700 m asl.
Threats
Main threats are presented by ongoing mining activities : Tiebaghi (SLN), Ouazangou (NMC), Kopeto (SLN), Koniambo (KNS). Some of the lowest sub-populations may be affected by uncontrolled bushfires . The twenty five year projection for mining operation indicate that severals individuals may be affected. New Caledonia contains between 20 - 30% of the world’s nickel resources and has experienced intense mining activities since the late 19th century which has generated soil erosion (1.2% of bare ground mapped by SPOT5 in 2007). Based on the distribution of metal-rich soils and site accessibility, these threats are predictable and planned (rise in nickel production from 60,000 to 200,000 tonnes per year between 2013 and 2015). 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). Lowest parts of ultramafic areas are particularly exposed to such risk.
Conservation
This species is protected by legislation in province Nord and province Sud but does not occur in any protected area. Germination and multiplication protocol has been etablished by IAC (Institut Agronomique néo-Calédonien). Phenologic follow-up are conducted on Tiébaghi population. Present monitoring of P. daenikeri populations should be continued and it is recommended to prospect for Dent de Poya.
Bibliography
Swenson U. and Muzinger J. 2012. Revision of Pichonia (Sapotaceae) in New Caledonia. Australian Systematic Botany(25) , p.31-48.
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): Amice, R., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Vandrot, H., Veillon, J.
Reviewer(s): Gâteblé, G.
Contributor(s): Munzinger, J., Swenson, U.
Facilitator(s): Tanguy, V.