Taxonomy
Synonyms
Eremopanax diversifolia Däniker • Arthrophyllum biforme PhilipsonRed List Status -
Endangered (EN) , assessed in 09/12/2016Protected species -
in Southern Province
Polyscias biforme is an endemic shrub found in the north-west part of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. This species is known from 4 massifs (Koniambo-Tahaté, Boulinda, Paéoua, Tchingou). It is found in mid altitudinal shrubland and forest edges on ultramafic substrate. Main threats are ongoing mining activities and recurrent bushfires. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are respectively estimated to be of 670 km² and 32 km² while the number of locations is estimated to be 5. Polyscias biforme is therefore assessed as Endangered (EN) with criteria B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v)+2ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v) with a continuing decline of all concerned sub-criteria.
Geographical area
Polyscias biforme is an endemic shrub found in the north-west part of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. This species is known from 4 massifs (Koniambo-Tahaté, Boulinda, Paéoua, Tchingou).
Population
Population size is unknown. This species is known of four subpopulations.
Habitat
It is found in mid altitudinal (600-850 m asl) shrubland and forest edges on ultramafic substrate.
Threats
Main threats are ongoing mining activities (impacting two subpopulations) and recurrent bushfires.
Conservation
This species is not protected by legislation and it does not occur in any protected area. It is recommended to lead prospections on mining massifs, to carry ex-situ and in-situ conservation efforts, in particular: seeds banking, ensuring the follow-up of known sub-populations and preserving viable populations on delimited perimeters (on Koniambo). Patches of humid forest on ultramafic substrates should be protected, as on Paéoua and Tchingou) which host several threatened 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.
Lowry P.P.L. and Plunkett G.M. 2018. A Taxonomic revision of Polyscias subg. Tieghemopanax.
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
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): Warimavute, G., Tanguy, V.