Taxonomy
Pleioluma tenuipedicellata
Red List Status -
Vulnerable (VU) , assessed in 29/11/2019
Pleioluma tenuipedicellata is an endemic tree or shrub of New Caledonia, where it has a scattered distribution in the center and north of Grande Terre. It occurs in shrubland on ultramafic substrate and dense humid forest on volcano-sedimnetary substrate between 450 and 850 m asl. The main threats to this species are bushfires and mining activities. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are 5,092 and 36 km², respectively, and the number of locations is estimated to be eight. Therefore, P. tenuipedicellata is listed as Vulnerable (VU) under criteria B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v)+B2ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v).
Geographical area
P. tenuipedicellata is endemic to New Caledonia, where it has a scattered distribution across the center and north of Grande Terre, from to Canala to Mt. Mandjélia, as well as Tiébaghi.
Population
Population size is unknown.
Habitat
This shrub or tree grows in shrubland ('maquis') on ultramafic and dense humid forest on volcano-sedimentary substrate, mostly between 450 and 850 m asl, but it has also been observed lower, between 50 and 100 m asl.
Threats
The main threat to this species is posed by mining activities, which will likely cause the Tiébaghi subpopulation to disappear. Bushfires may also impact the Ouaieme subpopulation.
Conservation
P. tenuipedicellata is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia, but it occurs in one protected area: Aoupinié natural reserve. This species would benefit from ex-situ and in-situ conservation actions, especially in Tiébaghi. It is proposed that monitoring should occur to ensure the persistence of the known population on or near the mining site. 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
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
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].
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): Tanguy, V., Warimavute, G., Meyer, S.