Taxonomy
Planchonella dothioense
Red List Status -
Near Threatened (NT) , assessed in 29/11/2019Protected species -
in Northern Province
Planchonella dothioense is an endemic shrub of New Caledonia, where it has a wide but scattered distribution across Grande Terre, as well as the Isle of Pines (île des Pins). It occurs in humid parts of shrubland or forest on ultramafic substrate (serpentinite) up to 500 m asl. The main threats to this species are bushfires and indirectly mining activities. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are 10,366 and 96 km², respectively, and the number of locations is estimated to be greater than ten. Therefore, P. dothioense is listed as Near Threatened (NT), close to Vulnerable under criteria B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v)+2ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v).
Geographical area
P. dothioense is endemic to New Caledonia, where it has a wide but scattered distribution across Grande Terre, from Touaourou (Yaté) to Paagoumène (Koumac), as well as the Isle of Pines (île des Pins).
Population
Population size is unknown, but field observations indicate that this species is common.
Habitat
This shrub or tree occurs in humid habitat in low elevation shrubland ('maquis') and forest on ultramafic substrate (serpentinite) up to 500 m asl.
Threats
The main threat to this species is posed by bushfires, and it can also be indirectly impacted by mining activities (Tiébaghi, Plateau de Thio, Ouazangou).
Conservation
P. dothioense is protected by legislation in Province Nord, but it doesn't occur in any protected areas. This species is suspected to be more widespread, so prospection is recommended on serpentinite areas, especially in the northeast of Grande Terre.
Bibliography
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Aubréville A. 1967. Flore de la Nouvelle Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 01 : Sapotacées.
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): Tanguy, V., Warimavute, G., Meyer, S.