Taxonomy
Pleioluma acutifolia
Red List Status -
Endangered (EN) , assessed in 29/11/2019
Pleioluma acutifolia is an endemic tree of New Caledonia, where it is only known from two stations in the south of Grande Terre. It occurs in degraded humid forest on ultramafic substrate between 200 and 300 m asl. The main threats to this species are bushfires, and potentially mining activities in the future. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are both 8 km², and the number of locations is estimated to be two. Therefore, P. acutifolia is listed as Endangered (EN) under criteria B1ab(iii,v)+B2ab(iii,v).
Geographical area
P. acutifolia is endemic to New Caledonia, where it is only known from two stations in the south of Grande Terre: Pont des Japonais and Forêt Cachée.
Population
Population size is unknown.
Habitat
This tree grows in low elevation degraded humid forest on ultramafic substrate between 200 and 300 m asl.
Threats
The main threat to this species is currently posed by bushfires. Mining activities in the Creek Pernod area could potentially impact this species in the future.
Conservation
P. acutifolia is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia, but it occurs in one protected area: Forêt Cachée natural reserve. This species would benefit from ex-situ and in-situ emergency conservation actions. It is proposed that monitoring should occur to ensure the persistence of the known population. To ensure the preservation of a viable population, it is recommended to inform the DSCGR (government department overseeing firefighting actions) on the presence of the species in the concerned areas. Prospection is recommended in the Forêt Cachée area, where this species has not been seen since 1973.
Bibliography
Swenson U., Nylander J.A.A. & Munzinger J. 2018. Phylogeny, species delimitation and revision of Pleioluma (Sapotaceae) in New Caledonia, a frequently gynodioecious genus. Australian Systematic Botany(31) , p.120-165.
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): Barrault, J., Bruy, D., Butin, J., Cazé, H., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Gâteblé, G., Laudereau, C., Mandaoué, L., Munzinger, J., Vandrot, H.
Reviewer(s): Swenson, U.
Facilitator(s): Warimavute, G., Tanguy, V., Meyer, S.