Phelline billardierei is a small tree or shrub growing up to 2 to 7 m high endemic of New Caledonia. It has a very scattered distribution across the Grande Terre and it is also present at Ile des Pins and Lifou (Loyalty Islands). This species occurs in dense humid forest, coastal forests or maquis on ferruginous soils and calcareous substrates at Lifou at an altitude range of 0 and 600 m asl. Phelline billardierei is known from seven localities and its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are 26,949 and 36 km², respectively. The main threat is posed by bushfires and invasive species (Rusa deer, Rusa timorensis and goats) clearing causing habitat degradation. Therefore, Phelline billardierei is listed as Vulnerable (VU) under criteria B2ab(iii,v) with a decline of the quality of habitat and of number of mature individuals.

Geographical area

Phelline billardierei is endemic to New Caledonia and it has a very scattered distribution across the Grande Terre. The species is also present at Ile des Pins and Lifou (Loyalty Islands).

Population

Population size is unknown.

Habitat

Phelline billardierei occurs in dense humid forest, coastal forests or maquis on ferruginous soils and calcareous substrates at Lifou (Loyalty Islands) at an altitude range of 0 and 600 m asl.

Threats

The main threat is posed by bushfires and invasive species (Rusa deer, Rusa timorensis and goats) clearing causing habitat degradation.

Conservation

Phelline billardierei is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia and it does not occur in any protected area. This species should be included in New Caledonian legislation for a better protection of the species. It is recommended to inform the DSCGR (emergency services), responsible for the coordination of the firefighting effort, and the Conservatoire d'Espaces Naturels de Nouvelle-Calédonie (New Caledonia natural spaces conservatory), which coordinates the New Caledonian Invasive Species Programme, on the presence of the species in the concerned areas. It is recommended to realise field surveys and collect further herbarium specimens to better estimate its population size and its status.

Bibliography

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

Munzinger J., Morat Ph., Jaffré T., Gâteblé G., Pillon Y., Rouhan G., Bruy, D., Veillon J.-M., & M. Chalopin 2020. FLORICAL: Checklist of the vascular indigenous flora of New Caledonia [continuously updated].

LIEDE-SCHUMANN S., MEVE U., GÂTEBLÉ G., BARRIERA G. & FICI S. 2020. Apocynaceae p.p., Phellinaceae, Capparaceae : Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie.

Barriera, G. 2017. Novitates neocaledonicae. VIII. Taxonomie et nomenclature du genre Phelline (Phellinaceae) avec la description de la nouvelle espèce Phelline barrierei. Candollea (72) , p.361-370.

Experts

Assessor(s): Bruy, D., Butin, J., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Héquet, V., Laudereau, C., Mandaoué, L., Vandrot, H.

Reviewer(s): Cazé, H.

Facilitator(s): Meyer, S., Warimavute, G.