Psychotria fambartiae is an endemic shrub of New Caledonia, only known from Koniambo, Tiwaka, Boulinda and Nétéa. It occurs in dense humid forest on various substrate at an altitudinal range 80-500 m asl. Main identified threat is linked to habitat damaging by uncontrolled bushfires and invasives species such as rusa rusa deer (Rusa timorensis). Its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) being respectively estimated to 32 and 1,273 km², while the number of locations are estimated to be four. Psychotria fambartiae 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

Psychotria fambartiae is an endemic shrub of New Caledonia, only known from Koniambo, Tiwaka, Boulinda and Nétéa.

Population

It is known from four sub-populations : Koniambo, Tiwaka, Boulinda, Nétéa.

Habitat

It occurs in dense humid forest on various substrate at an altitudinal range 80-500 m asl.

Threats

Main identified threat is linked to habitat damaging by uncontrolled bushfires and invasives species (Rusa timorensis). 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). Lowest parts of ultramafic areas are particularly exposed to such risk. Rusa rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) represents a significant threat regarding to degradation of habitat and regeneration of populations.

Conservation

Psychotria fambartiae is unprotected by legislation and it does not occur in any protected area. It is recommended to inform the DSCGR (emergency services) on the presence of the species in the concerned areas. It is recommended to inform the Conservatoire d'espaces naturels de Nouvelle-Calédonie (New Caledonia natural spaces conservatory), which coordinates the New Caledonian Invasive Species Programme, on the situation of the species in the concerned areas for population control purposes. It is proposed to ensure the follow-up of known sub-populations, to preserve a viable population on delimited perimeters on the mining area. It would be moreover advised to realize multiplication tests in order to assist future planting operations.

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.

Barrabé L. 2014. Four new species of Psychotria (Rubiaceae) from New Caledonia, including one presumed to be extinct. Phytotaxa(173) , p.101–116.

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.

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

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