Taxonomy
Red List Status -
Endangered (EN) , assessed in 09/12/2016Protected species -
in Southern Province
Polyscias gracilipes is an endemic shrub found in the west part of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. This species is known from a single massif (MéMaoya). It is found in mid altitudinal shrubland on ultramafic substrate. Main threats are ongoing mining activities, recurrent bushfires and invasive species (Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis). Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are both estimated to be of 8 km² while the number of locations is estimated to be 2. Polyscias gracilipes is therefore assessed as Endangered (EN) with criteria B1ab(ii,iii,v)+2ab(ii,iii,v) with a continuing decline of all concerned sub-criteria except the EOO.
Geographical area
Polyscias gracilipes is an endemic shrub found in the west part of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. This species is known from a single massif (MéMaoya).
Population
This species is known from a single population. It seems rather abundant as the population is estimated around a few thousand individuals.
Habitat
It is found in mid altitudinal shrubland (200-900 m asl) on ultramafic substrate.
Threats
Main threats are ongoing mining activities (mine Pinpin) and habitat degradation caused by recurrent bushfores and invasive species (Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis)). Field observations report a few individuals grazed by rusa deer (Rusa timorensis).
Conservation
This species is not protected by legislation and it does not occur in any protected area. It is recommended to continue prospections, to carry ex-situ and in-situ conservation efforts, in particular: seeds banking, ensuring the follow-up of known sub-populations and preserving viable populations on delimited perimeters.
Bibliography
Lowry P.P.L. and Plunkett G.M. 2018. A Taxonomic revision of Polyscias subg. Tieghemopanax.
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): Lowry, P., Amice, R., Bruy, D., Butin, J., Cazé, H., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Goxe, J., Héquet, V., Lannuzel, G., McCoy, S., Schatz, G., Suprin, B., Tanguy, V., Vandrot, H., Veillon, J.
Reviewer(s): Maura, J.
Facilitator(s): Tanguy, V., Warimavute, G.