Taxonomy
Myricanthe discolor
Synonyms
Myricanthe discolor var. viridis AiryShawRed List Status -
Endangered (EN) , assessed in 05/04/2018Protected species -
in Southern Province , in Northern Province
Myricanthe discolor is an endemic shrub of New Caledonia restricted in the north west of Grande Terre. It is found in shrubland on ultramafic substrate, from 50 to 150 m asl. The main threats identified are fire and urbanisation. Its extent of occurence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are estimated to 513 and 20 km², respectively, while its number of locations is equal to four. M. discolor is therefore considered as Endangered (EN) B1ab(ii,iii,v)+2ab(ii,iii,v) with an estimated decline of the area of occupancy (AOO), the habitat quality and the number of mature individuals.
Geographical area
M. discolor is endemic to New Caledonia where it is restricted in the north west of Grande Terre, from Tinip to Poum.
Population
Population size is unknown.
Habitat
M. discolor occurs in shrubland on ultramafic substrate, from 50 to 150 m asl.
Threats
The main threats identified are uncontrolled bushfires and urbanisation in low altitude.
Conservation
M. discolor is protected by legislation in Province Nord but it does not occur in any protected area. This species would benefit from ex situ and in situ emergency conservation actions and also awarness amongs the local population. It is proposed to ensure the follow-up of the only known sub-population. It is also recommended to inform the DSCGR (emergency services), responsible for the coordination of the firefighting effort, on the presence of the species in the concerned area. Plus prospections on other northwestern summits are needed are needed to confirm the presence of the species and to better estimated its population.
Bibliography
Munzinger J., Morat Ph., Jaffré T., Gâteblé G., Pillon Y., Tronchet F., Veillon J.-M. and M. Chalopin 2016. FLORICAL: Checklist of the vascular indigenous flora of New Caledonia. vers. 22.IV.2016.
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.
Experts
Assessor(s): Amice, R., Bruy, D., Butin, J., Cazé, H., Chambrey, C., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Gâteblé, G., Goxe, J., Hequet, V., Veillon, J.
Reviewer(s): Lannuzel, G.
Facilitator(s): Barrabé, L., Warimavute, G., Meyer, S.