Cyclophyllum tiebaghiense is an endemic shrub of New Caledonia, known from Tiébaghi in Grande Terre. It occurs in shrubland on ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range of 350-500 m asl. The main identified threat is from ongoing mining activities at Tiebaghi. The twenty five year projection for mining operations indicate that a majority of individuals may be affected, and indeed the species may now be extinct. If it persists, its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) would be both equal to 4 km², while the species is known from only a single location. Cyclophyllum tiebaghiense is therefore assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) with the tag Possibly Extinct with criteria B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v); C2a(i,ii); D with a continuing decline of all concerned sub-criteria. It is recommended to conduct research in order to confirm its probable extinction or implement urgent conservation actions if it was relocated.

Geographical area

Cyclophyllum tiebaghiense is an endemic shrub of New Caledonia, known from Tiébaghi in Grande Terre.

Population

Population size is not precisely known. Field surveys on the Tiebaghi summit report one mature individual.

Habitat

Cyclophyllum tiebaghiense occurs in shrubland on ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range of 350-500 m asl.

Threats

Main identified threats are linked to on-going mining activities: Tiebaghi (SLN). The twenty five year projection for mining operation indicate that a majority of individuals may be affected. New Caledonia contains between 20 - 30% of the world’s nickel resources and has experienced intense mining activities since the late 19th century which has generated soil erosion (1.2% of bare ground mapped by SPOT5 in 2007). Based on the distribution of metal-rich soils and site accessibility, these threats are predictable and planned (rise in nickel production from 60,000 to 200,000 tonnes per year between 2013 and 2015).

Conservation

Cyclophyllum tiebaghiense is unprotected by legislation and it does not occur in any protected area. Prospections in Tiébaghi are urgently needed to confirm species location data. 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 on the mining area.

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.

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

Mouly A. & Jeanson M. 2015. Specialization to ultramafic substrates and narrow endemism of Cyclophyllum (Rubiaceae) in New Caledonia: contribution of novel species to the understanding of these singular patterns. Acta Botanica Gallica(162) , p.173-189.

Experts

Assessor(s): Barrabé, L., Amice, R., Bruy, D., Butin, J., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Gâteblé, G., Goxe, J., Héquet, V., Lannuzel, G., Suprin, B., Veillon, J.

Reviewer(s): Cazé, H.

Contributor(s): Mouly, A.

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