Psychotria montrouzieri is an endemic shrub of New Caledonia, only known from Belep (Ile Art and Ile Pott) and Koumac (Tangadiou and Ruisseau des gaïacs) in the north of Grande Terre. It occurs in dense humid forest on ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range 0-260 m asl. Main identified threat is linked to habitat damaging by uncontrolled bushfires. Its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) being respectively estimated to 24 and 183 km², while the number of locations are estimated to be three: Ile Art, Ile Pott, Koumac . Psychotria montrouzieri is therefore assessed as Endangered (EN) with criteria B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v) with a decline of habitat quality and number of mature individuals.

Geographical area

Psychotria montrouzieri is an endemic shrub of New Caledonia, only known from Belep (Ile Art and Ile Pott) and Koumac (Tangadiou and Ruisseau des gaïacs) in the north of Grande Terre.

Population

It is known from four sub-populations : Ile Art, Ile Pott, Tangadiou, Ruisseau des gaïacs.

Habitat

It occurs in dense humid forest on ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range 0-260 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 montrouzieri 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. It would be moreover advised to realize multiplication tests in order to assist future planting operations. It is recommended to inform the DSCGR (sécurité civile) on the presence of the species in the concerned areas and Nature Warden Brigade of Koumac area.

Bibliography

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.

Barrabé L. 2013. Systématique et Evolution du genre Psychotria (Rubiaceæ) en 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.

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): Tanguy, V., Lannuzel, G.

Facilitator(s): Maura, J., Warimavute, G., Tanguy, V., Ramon, L.