Pycnandra versicolor is a shrub up to 1.5 m tall known from a single mountain massif (Koniambo) in the northern part of New Caledonia. It is found in shrubland on ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range 700-880 m asl. The main threat identified is mining activities at Koniambo, which encompass its entire known distribution and began operating in 2009. Field observations indicate that a population reduction has taken place at the single location: parts of some stands have been lost and now comprise only remnant individuals. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are estimated to be of 12 km² while the species is known from a single location. Pycnandra versicolor is therefore assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) B1ab(i,ii,iii,v).

Geographical area

Pycnandra versicolor is an endemic shrub up to 1,5 m tall known from a single mountain massif (Koniambo) in the northern part of New Caledonia.

Population

This species is known from a single population: Massif Koniambo.

Habitat

Pycnandra versicolor is found in shrubland on ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range 700-880 m asl.

Threats

The main threat identified is mining activities: Koniambo (KNS) which encompasses its entire known distribution. Field observations indicate that population reduction has taken place at the single location: parts of some stand have been lost and now comprise only remnant individuals.

Conservation

Unprotected species, Pycnandra versicolor does not occur in any protected area. Ex-situ and in-situ conservation efforts are urgently needed, in particular : ensuring the follow-up of the only known sub-population and preserving it on delimited perimeters.

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.

Swenson U. and Muzinger J. 2016. Five new species and a systematic synopsis of Pycnandra (Sapotaceae), the largest endemic genus in New Caledonia. Australian Systematic Botany(29) , p.1-40.

Experts

Assessor(s): Amice, R., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Vandrot, H., Veillon, J.

Reviewer(s): Gâteblé, G.

Contributor(s): Swenson, U., Munzinger, J.

Facilitator(s): Tanguy, V.