Taxonomy

Polyscias vieillardii (Baill.) Lowry & G.M.Plunkett subsp. vieillardii
endemique
UICN

Red List Status -

Vulnerable (VU) , assessed in 09/12/2016

Polyscias vieillardii subsp. vieillardii is an endemic tree of New Caledonia restricted to the northern part of Grande Terre. It is found in dense humid forest on volcano-sedimentary substrate and shrubland on ultramafic substrate at mid altitude. The main threats impacting this species come from mining activities impacting one sub-population (Tiebaghi), bushfires in Ouaième, and invasive species (Rusa timorensis and feral pigs) in Aoupinié, Ouaïème, Panié, Mandjélia. Its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) being respectively estimated to 56 and 2,479 km², Polyscias vieillardii subsp. vieillardii is considered Vulnerable (VU) using criteria B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v) with an estimation of 6 locations and a decline in habitat quality and number of mature individuals.

Geographical area


Polyscias vieillardii ssp. vieillardii is an endemic tree/small tree of New Caledonia restricted to the northern part of Grande Terre.

Population


Population size is unknown. This species is known from 5 sub-populations. This species is not abundant.

Habitat


It is found in dense humid forest on volcano-sedimentary substrate and shrubland on ultramafic substrate at mid altitude (500-970 m asl).

Threats


The main threats impacting this species come from mining activities impacting one sub-population.

Conservation


Unprotected by legislation, this species is found in protected areas : Aoupinié, Mont Panié

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.

Lowry P.P.L. and Plunkett G.M. 2018. A Taxonomic revision of Polyscias subg. Tieghemopanax.

Experts


Assessor(s): Lowry, P., Amice, R., Bruy, D., Butin, J., Cazé, H., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Goxe, J., Héquet, V., Lannuzel, G., McCoy, S., Schatz, G., Suprin, B., Tanguy, V., Vandrot, H., Veillon, J.

Reviewer(s): Maura, J.

Facilitator(s): Tanguy, V., Warimavute, G.


Geographical distribution