Taxonomy
Bocquillonia brachypoda
Synonyms
Bocquillonia brachypoda var. spathulata AiryShawRed List Status -
Least Concern (LC) , assessed in 20/11/2020Protected species -
in Northern Province
Bocquillonia brachypoda is an endemic shrub of New Caledonia, growing up to 0,5 to 2,5 m high. It is widely distributed across Grande Terre, from Dumbéa to Voh, as well as in Ile des Pins. B. brachypoda occurs in maquis or in dry forest on volcano-sedimentary and ultramafic substrate at an altitude range of 0 and 500 m asl. This species is locally common and it does not seem to be threatened although some subpopulations may be threatened by mining activities at Koniambo and Poro, bushfires and invasive species (Rusa timorensis) which contribute to the declinde of the habitat quality. Therefore with an Extent of Occurrence (EOO) equal to 10,664 km² and a minimum Area of Occupancy (AOO) of 64 km², B. brachypoda is listed as Least Concern (LC).
Geographical area
Bocquillonia brachypoda is endemic to New Caledonia where it is widely distributed across Grande Terre, from Dumbéa to Voh, as well as in Ile des Pins.
Population
Population size is unknown. Field observations indicate a species locally common.
Habitat
Bocquillonia brachypoda occurs in maquis or dry forest on volcano-sedimentary and ultramafic substrate at an altitude range of 0 and 500 m asl.
Threats
Bocquillonia brachypoda does not seem to be threatened although some subpopulations may be threatened by mining activities at Koniambo and Poro, bushfires and invasive species (Rusa timorensis).
Conservation
Bocquillonia brachypoda is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia and it does not occur in any protected area. The experts note a taxonomic impediment. It could be composed of two distinct species.The experts note a high variability in this group and it can also contain multiple taxa that may deserve species-level recognition. Taxonomic and genetic studies are needed to confirm or refute these assumptions.
Bibliography
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
McPherson G.D & Tirel C. 1987. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 14 : Euphorbiaceae I.
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): 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.