Pycnandra amplexicaulis is an endemic shrub known from two distant areas in New Caledonia, Cap Bocage and Plum on the eastern coast, and Plum area in the south of Grande Terre. It is found in shrubland on an ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range 80-300 m asl. Main threats are ongoing mining activities, as well as habitat damage by uncontrolled bushfires and increasing urbanisation. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are respectively estimated to be of 100 km² and 16 km² while the number of locations are estimated to be three. Pycnandra amplexicaulis is therefore assessed as Endangered (EN) with criteria B1ab(i,ii,iii,v)+2ab(i,ii,iii,v) with a continuing decline of all concerned sub-criteria.

Geographical area

Pycnandra amplexicaulis is an endemic shrub known from two distant areas in New Caledonia, Cap Bocage and Plum on the eastern coast, and Plum area in the south of Grande Terre.

Population

Three subpopulations are known: Plum, Poro, cap Bocage. The species is reported as widespread in the area of Bogota Peninsula,whereas fewer than 10 individuals were located in the Plum area.

Habitat

Pycnandra amplexicaulis is found in shrubland on an ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range 80-300 m asl.

Threats

Some subpopulations may be threatened by mining activities : Cap Bocage (SMT), Poro and all of them are potentially under threat of bushfires. In addition, Plum sub-population may be threatened by increasing urbanisation.

Conservation

Unprotected by legislation, Pycnandra amplexicaulis does not occur in any protected area. Ex-situ and in-situ conservation efforts are recommended, in particular : ensuring the follow-up of known sub-populations and preserving viable populations on delimited perimeters. It is recommended to inform the DSCGR (emergency services) on the presence of the species in the concerned areas. It is moreover recommended to prospect Côte oubliée area.

Bibliography

Swenson U. and Muzinger J. 2015. Revision of Pycnandra subgenus Leptostylis and description of subgenus Wagapensia (Sapotaceae), a genus endemic to New Caledonia. Australian Systematic Botany(28) , p.91-110.

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.

Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.

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.

Experts

Assessor(s): Cazé, H., Garnier, D., Goxe, J., Héquet, V., McCoy, S.

Reviewer(s): Gâteblé, G.

Contributor(s): Munzinger, J., Swenson, U.

Facilitator(s): Maura, J., Bernard-Musmann, M.