Taxonomy
Red List Status -
Endangered (EN) , assessed in 26/10/2018
Polyosma kouaouana is an endemic shrub from New Caledonia, where it is known from five localities in central Grande Terre, from Ouipoin (La Foa) to Mt. Paéoua (Pouembout). It occurs in dense humid forest and shrubland on ultramafic substrate between 500 and 1,000 m asl. This species is threatened by bushfires and mining activities. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are estimated at 1,090 and 20 km², respectively, and the number of locations is estimated to be five. Therefore, P. kouaouana is listed as Endangered (EN) under criteria B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v)+2ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v).
Geographical area
This species is endemic to New Caledonia, where it is known from five localities in central Grande Terre: Kouaoua in the east, Ouipoin, Mé Maoya, Mt. Paéoua and Mt. Boulinda in the west.
Population
Population size is unknown.
Habitat
This small tree grows in dense humid forest and shrubland on ultramafic substrate from 500 to 1,000 m asl.
Threats
Main threats to this species are bushfires and mining activities (Kouaoua, SLN). The latter might impact other subpopulations in the future (Mts. Paéoua and Boulinda).
Conservation
P. kouaouana is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia and does not 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 known subpopulations (inside mining sites if required). 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.
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.
Pillon, Y. 2018. Nomenclature and typification in Polyosma (Escalloniaceae) from New Caledonia, with the description of a new species. Phytotaxa(371 (4)) , p.267-272.
Experts
Assessor(s): Amice, R., Bruy, D., Butin, J., Cazé, H., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Gâteblé, G., Goxe, J., Henry, B., Héquet, V., Lagrange, A., Lannuzel, G., Mandaoué, L., Pillon, Y., Veillon, J.
Reviewer(s): Vandrot, H.
Facilitator(s): Meyer, S., Warimavute, G.