Taxonomy
Pleioluma belepensis
Red List Status -
Critically Endangered (CR) , assessed in 29/11/2019
Pleioluma belepensis is an endemic shrub of New Caledonia, where it is only known from Art island (Bélep archipelago). It occurs in dense humid forest on ultramafic substrate around 250 m asl. The main threat to this species is posed by bushfires. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are both 4 km², and the number of locations is estimated to be one. Therefore, P. belepensis is listed as Critically Endangered (CR) under criteria B1ab(iii,v)+B2ab(iii,v).
Geographical area
P. belepensis is endemic to New Caledonia, where it is only known from the northern plateau of Art island, in the Bélep archipelago.
Population
Population size is unknown.
Habitat
This small tree grows in low elevation dense humid forest on ultramafic substrate around 250 m asl.
Threats
The main threat to this species is posed by bushfires.
Conservation
P. belepensis is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia and it doesn't occur in any protected areas. 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.
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.