Taxonomy
Synonyms
Bikkia pachyphylla GuillauminRed List Status -
Endangered (EN) , assessed in 21/04/2017Protected species -
in Southern Province
Thiollierea pachyphylla is an endemic shrub of New Caledonia, known from Kouakoué and Montagne des Sources in the south of Grande Terre. It occurs in shrubland on ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range of 900-1,500 m asl. The main impact identified comes from bushfires. Its extent of occurrence and area of occupancy are both equal to 12 km² while the number of locations are estimated to be two. Thiollierea pachyphylla is therefore considered Endangered (EN) according to criteria B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v) with a continuing decline of habitat quality and numbers of mature individuals.
Geographical area
Thiollierea pachyphylla is an endemic shrub of New Caledonia, known from Kouakoué and Montagne des sources in the south of Grande Terre.
Population
Population size is unknown.
Habitat
Thiollierea pachyphylla occurs in shrubland on ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range of 900-1,500 m asl.
Threats
The main impact identified comes from bushfires. 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). In 2004, a fire occured in Montagne des sources and burnt 1,060 ha of shrubland and forest.
Conservation
Thiollierea pachyphylla is unprotected by legislation but it occurs in any two protected area: Massif du Kouakoué, Montagne des sources. This species would benefit from ex-situ and in-situ emergency conservation actions. It is proposed to ensure the follow-up of known sub-populations. It is recommended to inform the DSCGR (emergency services) on the presence of the species in the concerned areas.
Bibliography
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.
Barrabé L., Mouly A., Lowry II P.P. & Muzinger J. 2011. Reinstatement of the endemic New Caledonian genus Thiollierea Montrouz. (Rubiaceae) necessitated by the polyphyly of Bikkia Reinw. as currently circumscribed. Adansonia(33) , p.115-134.
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Experts
Assessor(s): Barrabé, L., Amice, R., Bruy, D., Butin, J., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Gâteblé, G., Goxe, J., Héquet, V., Lannuzel, G., Suprin, B., Veillon, J.
Reviewer(s): Cazé, H.
Contributor(s): Mouly, A.
Facilitator(s): Tanguy, V., Warimavute, G., Maura, J.