Taxonomy
Red List Status -
Endangered (EN) , assessed in 21/04/2017Protected species -
in Southern Province
Cyclophyllum letocartiorum is an endemic shrub of New Caledonia, found in vallée de la Tontouta in the south of Grande Terre. It occurs in shrubland on ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range of 50-100 m asl. The main threat impacting this species comes from habitat degradation caused by uncontrolled bushfires. Its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) being both equal to 20 km², while the number of locations are estimated to be two. Cyclophyllum letocartiorum 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
Cyclophyllum letocartiorum is an endemic shrub of New Caledonia, found in vallée de la Tontouta in the south of Grande Terre
Population
Population size is unknown.
Habitat
Cyclophyllum letocartiorum occurs on rocky scree in shrubland on ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range of 50-100 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 letocartiorum 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 in vallée de la Tontouta are urgently needed.
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., Hequet, V., Lannuzel, G., Suprin, B., Veillon, J.
Reviewer(s): Cazé, H.
Contributor(s): Mouly, A.
Facilitator(s): Warimavute, G., Tanguy, V., Maura, J.