Pytinicarpa kaalaensis is an endemic herb of New Caledonia. This species is only known from Mount Kaala, in the north west of Grande Terre. It occurs in open “maquis minier”on ultramafic substrate at relatively high elevation, from 600 m to the summit 1,093 m asl. Its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) are both equal to 24 km². It is known to be in two locations. The main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by mining activities and bushfires. In 2019, a big bushfire event departed from Troulala at the base of Mont Kaala and went up to Mont Kaala at 1,000 m asl. Pytinicarpa kaalaensis is therefore listed as Endangered (EN) under criterion B1ab(i,ii,iii,v) +B2ab(i,ii,iii,v), with an estimated continuing decline of all concerned sub-criteria.

Geographical area

Pytinicarpa kaalaensis is endemic to New Caledonia where it is only known from Mount Kaala, in the north west of Grande Terre.

Population

The population size is not known.

Habitat

Pytinicarpa kaalaensis occurs in open “maquis minier”on ultramafic substrate at relatively high elevation, from 600 m to the summit 1,093 m asl.

Threats

The main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by mining activities and bushfires. In 2019, a big bushfire event departed from Troulala at the base of Mont Kaala and went up to Mont Kaala at 1,000 m asl.

Conservation

Pytinicarpa kaalaensis is not protectected by legislation in New Caledonia and it does not occur in any protected area. It is recommended to inform the DSCGR (emergency services) on the presence of the species in the concerned areas. This species would benefit from ex situ and in situ emergency conservation actions. It is moreover suggested to promote its growing in nurseries, to integrate it in future green space planning and to raise awareness on this species amongst local stakeholders. It is recommended to monitor subpopulations, and to preserve a viable population within delimited perimeters in Kaala site.

Bibliography

Nesom GL 1994. Pytinicarpa (Asteraceae: Asterae), a new genus from New Caledonia.. Phytologia(76 (2)) , p.136-142.

Nesom GL 2001. Taxonomic notes on Keysseria and Pytinicarpa (Asteraceae: Asterae, Lageniferinae).. SIDA, contributions to botany(19) , p.513-518.

Lannuzel G., Pignal M. & Gâteblé G. 2022. Pytinicarpa (Asteraceae, Astereae) in New Caledonia.. Phytotaxa(574 (2)) , p.121-136.

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.

Munzinger J., Morat Ph., Jaffré T., Gâteblé G., Pillon Y., Rouhan G., Bruy, D., Veillon J.-M., & M. Chalopin 2020. FLORICAL: Checklist of the vascular indigenous flora of New Caledonia [continuously updated].

Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.

Experts

Assessor(s): Amice, R., Bruy, D., Cazé, H., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Héquet, V., Lagrange, A., Lannuzel, G., Laudereau, C., McCoy, S., Vandrot, H.

Reviewer(s): Pillon, Y.

Facilitator(s): Fourdrain, A., Warimavute, G.