Taxonomy
Red List Status -
Critically Endangered (CR) , assessed in 15/09/2016Protected species -
in Southern Province
Psychotria belepensis is an endemic shrub of New Caledonia, known from Belep -Ile Art (Plateau Sud et Nord) in Grande Terre. It occurs in forest on ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range 80-270 m asl. Main identified threat is linked to habitat damaging by uncontrolled bushfires. In 2016, a fire occured in Ile Art and burnt 1,060 ha of shrubland and forest. Its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) being both equal to 20 km², while the species is known to exist at only a single location. Psychotria belepensis is therefore assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) with criteria B1ab(iii,v) with a decline of habitat quality and number of mature individuals.
Geographical area
Psychotria belepensis is an endemic shrub of New Caledonia, known from Belep -Ile Art (Plateau Sud et Nord) in Grande Terre.
Population
It is known from a single population.
Habitat
Psychotria belepensis occurs in forest on ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range 80-270 m asl.
Threats
Main identified threat is linked to habitat damaging by uncontrolled bushfires. 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). In 2016, a fire occured in Ile Art and burnt 1,060 ha of shrubland and forest.
Conservation
Psychotria belepensis is unprotected by legislation and it does not occur in any protected area. This species would benefit from ex-situ and in-situ emergency conservation actions. It is proposed to ensure the follow-up of known sub-populations, to preserve a viable population on delimited perimeters. Moreover a protected area should be etablished in Ile Art. It would be advised to realize multiplication tests in order to assist future planting operations. It is recommended to inform the DSCGR (emergency services), Nature Warden Brigade of Koumac area and Belep Management Committee on the presence of the species in the concerned areas. Prospection are urgently needed.
Bibliography
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Barrabé L, Maggia L, Pillon Y, Rigault F, Mouly A, Davis AP, Buerki S 2014. New Caledonian lineages of Psychotria (Rubiaceae) reveal different evolutionary histories and the largest documented plant radiation for the archipelago. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution(71) , p.15-35.
Barrabé L. 2013. Systématique et Evolution du genre Psychotria (Rubiaceæ) en 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): Barrabé, L., Amice, R., Bruy, D., Cazé, H., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Gâteblé, G., Hequet, V., Maura, J., McCoy, S., Suprin, B., Vandrot, H., Veillon, J.
Reviewer(s): Lannuzel, G., Tanguy, V.
Facilitator(s): Maura, J., Warimavute, G., Tanguy, V., Ramon, L.