Taxonomy
Red List Status -
Critically Endangered (CR) , assessed in 10/05/2016Protected species -
in Southern Province
Pycnandra bourailensis is an endemic tree confined to an area near Bourail on the western coast of Grande Terre. It is found in gallery forest on volcano-sedimentary substrate at an elevation of 20-400m asl. Main threats are linked to habitat damage by rusa rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) (Rusa timorensis), expansion of cattle grazing areas and uncontrolled bushfires allow us to project a continuous decline in the quality of habitat and number of mature individuals. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are estimated to be 8 km² while the species is known from a single location. Observations report a total population size fewer than 50 mature individuals. Pycnandra bourailensis is therefore assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v);C2a(ii);D.
Geographical area
Pycnandra bourailensis is an endemic tree confined to an area near Bourail on the western coast of Grande Terre.
Population
This species is known from a single population. It is reported less than fifty individuals.
Habitat
Pycnandra bourailensis occurs in gallery forest on volcano-sedimentary substrate at an elevation of 20-400m asl.
Threats
Main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by rusa rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) (Rusa timorensis), expansion of cattle grazing areas and uncontrolled bushfires. Introduced in the 1880's, rusa rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) are now perfectly adapted to New Caledonian habitats. 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).
Conservation
Unprotected by legislation, Pycnandra bourailensis does not occur in any protected area. Ex-situ and in-situ conservation efforts are urgently needed, in particular : ensuring the follow-up of the only known sub-population and preserving it on delimited perimeters. It is moreover recommended to identify and contact the appropriate landowner. Concerning ex-situ action, Parc des grandes fougères in Farino seems to be a viable option regarding to the ecology of the species.
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.
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Swenson U. and Muzinger J. 2016. Five new species and a systematic synopsis of Pycnandra (Sapotaceae), the largest endemic genus in New Caledonia. Australian Systematic Botany(29) , p.1-40.
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.
Experts
Assessor(s): Cazé, H., Garnier, D., Goxe, J., Héquet, V., McCoy, S.
Reviewer(s): Gâteblé, G.
Contributor(s): Swenson, U., Munzinger, J.
Facilitator(s): Maura, J., Bernard-Musmann, M.