Taxonomy
Red List Status -
Critically Endangered (CR) , assessed in 21/04/2017Protected species -
in Southern Province
Cyclophyllum tieaense is an endemic shrub of New Caledonia, known from plateau de Tia in Grande Terre. It occurs in shrubland on ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range of 100-400 m asl. Main identified threat is linked to habitat damaging by uncontrolled bushfires. Its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) are both equal to eight km², while the species is known to exist at only a single location. Cyclophyllum tieaense is therefore assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) with criteria B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v) with a decline of habitat quality and number of mature individuals.
Geographical area
Cyclophyllum tieaense is an endemic shrub of New Caledonia, known from plateau de Tia in Grande Terre.
Population
Population size is unknown.
Habitat
Cyclophyllum tieaense occurs in shrubland on ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range of 100-400 m asl.
Threats
Main identified threat is linked to habitat damage 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). Lowest parts of ultramafic areas are particularly exposed to such risk.
Conservation
Cyclophyllum tieaense 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 advised to realize multiplication tests in order to assist future planting operations. It is recommended to inform the DSCGR (emergency services) on the presence of the species in the concerned areas. Prospection around plateau de Tia are urgently needed.
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.
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., Hequet, V., Lannuzel, G., Suprin, B., Veillon, J.
Reviewer(s): Cazé, H.
Contributor(s): Mouly, A.
Facilitator(s): Tanguy, V., Maura, J., Warimavute, G.