Planchonella sp.nov. Pillon 150 is a newly identified species endemic of New Caledonia, restricted to the the north west of Grande Terre. It is only known from two subpopulations: Boulinda and Paéoua massifs. It occurs in forest edges and maquis on ultramafic substrate between 500 and 750 m asl. The main impact identified comes from future mining activities on the Paéoua and Boulinda massifs and uncontrolled bushfires that contribute to habitat degradation. Its area of occupation (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) are being both estimated to 12 km², while the number of locations is estimated to be three. Planchonella sp.nov. Pillon 150 is therefore assessed as Endangered (EN) under criteria B1ab (i,ii,iii,v)+2ab(i,ii,iii,v) with an estimated continuing decline of all the concerned sub-scriteria.

Geographical area

Planchonella sp.nov. Pillon 150 is endemic of New Caledonia where it is only known from two subpopulations (Boulinda and Paéoua massifs) restricted to the the north west of Grande Terre.

Population

The population size is not known.

Habitat

This species occurs in forest edges and maquis on ultramafic substrate between 500- 750 m asl.

Threats

The main impact identified comes from future mining activities on the Paéoua and Boulinda massifs and uncontrolled bushfires that contribute to habitat degradation.

Conservation

Unprotected by legislation, Planchonella sp.nov. Pillon 150 is not present in any protected areas. This species would benefit from ex situ and in situ emergency conservation actions. It is proposed to monitor known subpopulations, to raise awareness on this species amongst local stakeholders and to inform the DSCGR (government department overseeing firefighting actions) on the presence of the species in the concerned areas. Finaly surveys in other northwestern massifs is needed to better estimate the size of the population and its status.

Bibliography

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.

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

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].

Experts

Assessor(s): Amice, R., Barrière, R., Bruy, D., Cazé, H., Fleurot, D., Lagrange, A., Lannuzel, G., Laudereau, C., Mandaoué, L., Vandrot, H.

Reviewer(s): Meyer, S.

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