Phyllanthus amieuensis is a shrub of 1.5-2 m high, endemic of New Caledonia and restricted to the centre of Grande Terre, in col d'Amieu region. This species occurs in forest probably on ultramafic substrates at an altitude range of 500 and 800 m asl. The main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by uncontrolled bushfires. Other potential threats are Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) although it has a low impact. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are respectively estimated to be of 62 km² and 24 km² while the number of locations is estimated to be 6. Using criterion B and with the estimation of a continuous decline of its habitat quality and number of mature individuals, Phyllanthus amieuensis is assessed as Vulnerable (VU) B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v).

Geographical area

Phyllanthus amieuensis is endemic to New Caledonia where it is restricted to the centre of Grande Terre, in col d'Amieu region.

Population

Population size is unknown and based on field observations it is not a common species.

Habitat

Phyllanthus amieuensis occurs in forest probably on ultramafic substrates at an altitude range of 500 and 800 m asl.

Threats

The main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by uncontrolled bushfires. The species can also be threatened by Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) although it has a low impact.

Conservation

Phyllanthus genus is protected by legislation in Province Nord. Phyllanthus amieuensis does occur in only one protected areas: Parc des Grandes Fougères. This species should benefit from in situ and ex situ emergency conservation actions. It is recommended to inform the DSCGR (emergency services), responsible for the coordination of the firefighting effort on the presence of the species in the concerned areas. It is moreover suggested to realise field surveys at col d'Amieu et Koh and better estimate its distribution range and population size.

Bibliography

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

McPherson, G.; Schmid, M. 1991. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 17 : Euphorbiaceae II Phyllanthaceae.

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.

Experts

Assessor(s): Amice, R., Barrière, R., Butin, J., Cazé, H., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Gâteblé, G., Héquet, V., Laudereau, C., Vandrot, H., Veillon, J.

Reviewer(s): Lannuzel, G.

Facilitator(s): Meyer, S., Warimavute, G.