Taxonomy
Psychotria vandrotii
Red List Status -
Critically Endangered (CR) , assessed in 15/09/2016Protected species -
in Southern Province
Psychotria sp. nov. "vandrotii" is an endemic shrub of New Caledonia, known from Nessadiou and Nékou in Grande Terre. It occurs in forest on volcano-sedimentary at 400 m asl. Main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by rusa rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) (Rusa timorensis) and herd of goats, expansion of cattle grazing areas and uncontrolled bushfires. Its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) are both equal to 8 km², while the number of location is estimated to one. Psychotria sp. nov. "vandrotii" is therefore assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) with criteria B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v)+2ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v) with a continuing decline of all concerned sub-criteria and C2a(i).
Geographical area
Psychotria sp. nov. "vandrotii" is an endemic shrub of New Caledonia, known from Nessadiou in Grande Terre.
Population
It is known from a two population : Nessadiou and Nékou. Only four plants has been observed so far.
Habitat
Psychotria sp. nov. "vandrotii" occurs in forest on volcano-sedimentary at 400 m asl.
Threats
Main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by rusa rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) (Rusa timorensis) and herd of goats, expansion of cattle grazing areas and uncontrolled bushfires. Introduced in the 1880's, rusa rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) are now perfectly adapted to New Caledonian habitats. 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).
Conservation
Psychotria sp. nov. "vandrotii" 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. Moreover a protected area should be etablished in Nessadiou. It would be advised to realize multiplication tests in order to assist future planting operations. It is recommended to inform the DSCGR (emergency services), and local Management Committee (Comité de gestion de la Zone Côtière Ouest) on the presence of the species in the concerned areas. Prospection in the mountain ranges of Deva 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.
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): Tanguy, V., Ramon, L., Maura, J., Warimavute, G.