Taxonomy
Red List Status -
Critically Endangered (CR) , assessed in 26/10/2018Polyosma subintegrifolia is an endemic tree or shrub from New Caledonia, where it is only known from Mt. Koghis, in the south of Grande Terre. It occurs in dense humid forest on volcano-sedimentary substrate between 600 and 700 m asl. This species is threatened by bushfires and urbanisation. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are both estimated at 4 km², and the number of locations is estimated to be one. Therefore, P. subintegrifolia is listed as Critically Endangered under criteria B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v).
Geographical area
This species is endemic to New Caledonia, where it is only known from Mt. Koghis, in the south of Grande Terre.
Population
Population size is unknown.
Habitat
This species grows in dense humid forest on volcano-sedimentary substrate between 600 and 700 m asl.
Threats
Main threats to this species are bushfires and urbanisation.
Conservation
P. subintegrifolia is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia, but occurs in one protected area: Montagne des Sources natural reserve. Further prospection is needed to better estimate population size and understand potential threats to this little known species, which has not been observed since 1994. It would then benefit from ex situ and in situ emergency conservation actions. It is proposed that monitoring should occur to ensure the persistence of known subpopulations. It is recommended to inform the DSCGR (government department overseeing firefighting actions) on the presence of the species in the concerned areas.
Bibliography
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Pillon, Y. 2018. Nomenclature and typification in Polyosma (Escalloniaceae) from New Caledonia, with the description of a new species. Phytotaxa(371 (4)) , p.267-272.
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): Amice, R., Bruy, D., Butin, J., Cazé, H., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Gâteblé, G., Goxe, J., Henry, B., Héquet, V., Lagrange, A., Lannuzel, G., Mandaoué, L., Pillon, Y., Veillon, J.
Reviewer(s): Vandrot, H.
Facilitator(s): Meyer, S., Warimavute, G.