Pycnandra paniensis is an endemic shrub or small tree of New Caledonia, growing up to 4 m high. This species is confined to the north east of Grande Terre where it is known from 3 subpopulations: Massif Panié, Paala/Mandjélia and Massif Ton-Non. This species is found in humid forest at an altitude range of 400 m and 1,400 m asl. on volcano-sedimentary substrate. Forests of the northern range, mainly at Paala, were severely damaged by logging activities decades ago, constituting an area that remains open, invaded by the introduced and flammable timber tree Pinus caribaea, which all together increase the risk of fire and impede the regeneration of the natural vegetation. The invasive Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) also contributes to the decline in the habitat quality. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are estimated to 20 and 57 km², respectively, while its number of locations is equal to three. Pycnandra paniensis is therefore considered as Endangered (EN) B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v) with an estimated decline of the habitat quality and the number of mature individuals.

Geographical area

Pycnandra paniensis is endemic to New Caledonia where it is confined to the north east of Grande Terre. It is known from 3 subpopulations : Massif Panié, Paala/Mandjélia and Massif Ton-Non.

Population

Population size is unknown.

Habitat

Pycnandra paniensis is found in humid forest on volcano-sedimentary substrate at an altitude range of 400 m and 1,400 m asl.

Threats

Forests of the northern range, mainly at Paala, were severely damaged by logging activities decades ago, constituting an area that remains open, invaded by the introduced and flammable timber tree Pinus caribaea, which all together increase the risk of fire and impede the regeneration of the natural vegetation. The invasive Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) also contributes to the decline in the habitat quality.

Conservation

Pycnandra paniensis is protected by legislation in Province Nord and it does occur in one protected area: Mont Panié. It is recommended to inform the Conservatoire d'espaces naturels de Nouvelle-Calédonie (New Caledonia natural spaces conservatory), which coordinates the New Caledonian Invasive Species Programme on the presence of the species in the concerned areas.

Bibliography

Swenson U. and Muzinger J. 2010. Taxonomic revision of Pycnandra subgenus Trouettia (Sapotaceae), with six new species from New Caledonia. Australian Systematic Botany(23) , p.333-370.

Swenson U. and Muzinger J. 2010. Revision of Pycnandra subgenus Sebertia (Sapotaceae) and a generic key to the family in New Caledonia. Adansonia(33) , p.239-249.

Swenson U. and Muzinger J. 2010. Revision of Pycnandra subgenus Achradotypus (Sapotaceae), with five new species from New Caledonia. Australian Systematic Botany(23) , p.185-216.

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].

Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.

Swenson U. & Muzinger J. 2009. Revision of Pycnandra subgenus Pycnandra (Sapotaceae), a genus endemic to New Caledonia. Australian Systematic Botany(22) , p.437-465.

Experts

Assessor(s): Bruy, D., Butin, J., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Héquet, V., Laudereau, C., Mandaoué, L., Vandrot, H.

Reviewer(s): Cazé, H.

Facilitator(s): Warimavute, G., Meyer, S.