Taxonomy
Red List Status -
Endangered (EN) , assessed in 10/05/2016Protected species -
in Southern Province
Pycnandra elliptica is endemic shrub or tree of the southern part of Grande Terre in New Caledonia, known from Gouemba and Kuebini. It is found in shrubland at low altitude (0-300 m asl.) on ultramafic substrate. Its area of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are 8 km² , while the number of locations is equal to two. Main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by uncontrolled bushfires,wood harvesting and impact on the water regimes as a result of the water use allow us to project a continuous decline in the quality of habitat and number of mature individuals. Pycnandra elliptica is considered Endangered EN: B1ab (iii,v)+B2ab(iii,v).
Geographical area
Pycnandra elliptica is endemic shrub or tree, up to 6m tall of the southern part of Grande Terre, known from Gouemba and Kuebini.
Population
It is known from two subpopulations:Gouemba (Fausse Yaté) & Kuébini.
Habitat
Pycnandra elliptica is found in shrubland at low altitude (0-300 m asl.) on ultramafic substrate.
Threats
Main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by uncontrolled bushfires,wood harvesting and impact on the water regimes as a result of the water use. 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). Kuébini's forest has been strongly damaged by fires in the past and is still under threat from repeated fires. Illegal logging is also a threat since several logged individuals of the protected species Tristaniopsis reticulata (VU) has been observed.
Conservation
Unprotected by legislation, Pycnandra elliptica 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-populations and preserving it on delimited perimeters. It is also recommended to prospect Kuébini entrance.
Bibliography
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.
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.
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): Swenson, U., Munzinger, J.
Facilitator(s): Maura, J., Bernard-Musmann, M.