Phyllanthus chamaecerasus is a shrub, endemic of New Caledonia and it has a scattered distribution across the Grande Terre. It is known from 3 subpopulations: col d'Amoss, Houaïlou/Bâ and Dothio. This species occurs in low altitudinal forests and maquis undergrowth (10-100 m asl.) on ultramafic substrates. Phyllanthus chamaecerasus var. intermedius occurs mostly in river bank areas. The main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by bushfires. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are respectively estimated to be of 8,409 km² and 148 km² while the number of locations is estimated to be 3. Using criterion B and with the estimation of a continuous decline of its habitat quality and number of mature individuals, Phyllanthus chamaecerasus is assessed as En Dangered (EN) B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v).

Geographical area

Phyllanthus chamaecerasus is endemic to New Caledonia where it has a scattered distribution across the Grande Terre. It is known from 3 subpopulations: col d'Amoss, Houaïlou/Bâ and Dothio.

Population

Population size is unknown.

Habitat

Phyllanthus chamaecerasus occurs in low altitudinal forests and maquis undergrowth (10-100 m asl.) on ultramafic and volcano-sedimentary substrates. Phyllanthus chamaecerasus var. intermedius occurs mostly in river bank areas.

Threats

The main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by bushfires.

Conservation

Phyllanthus genus is protected by legislation in Province Nord. None of the subpopulations occur within a protected area. 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 in the occurrence areas and its nearby areas to collect more biological material and better estimate its distribution range and population size.

Bibliography

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.

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

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

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.