Phyllanthus conjugatus is a sub shrub of 30-35 cm, endemic of New Caledonia and it has a scattered distribution between Nouméa, Païta and Tontouta. This species occurs in dry forests undergrowth on various substrates (ultramafic, calcareous and clay soil) between 20 and 150 m asl. The main threats are linked to habitat damage by mining activities at Tontouta, urbanisation, rats that eat the seeds, human activities (logging for barbacues, over trampling and uncontrolled fires) and Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis). Plus its subspecies has suffered sclerophyllous forest reduction and fragmentation particularly linked to agriculture on the west coast and urban development around Nouméa. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are respectively estimated to be of 314 km² and 48 km² while the number of locations is estimated to be 5. Using criterion B and with the estimation of a continuous decline of the concerned subcriteria, Phyllanthus conjugatus is assessed as En Dangered (EN) B1ab(i,ii,iii,v)+2ab(i,ii,iii,v).

Geographical area

Phyllanthus conjugatus is endemic of New Caledonia where it has a scattered distribution between Nouméa, Païta and Tontouta.

Population

Population size in unknown.

Habitat

Phyllanthus conjugatus occurs in dry forests undergrowth on various substrates (ultramafic, calcareous and clay soil) between 20 and 150 m asl.

Threats

The main threats are linked to habitat damage by mining activities at Tontouta, urbanization, human activities (logging for barbacues, over trampling and uncontrolled fires) and Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis). This species is also impacted by rats that eat its seeds and thus may contribute to the decline of the size of the population. Plus its subspecies has suffered sclerophyllous forest reduction and fragmentation particularly linked to agriculture on the west coast and urban development around Nouméa.

Conservation

Phyllanthus genus is protected by legislation in Province Nord. None of the subpopulations occur within a protected area while dry forests benefit from a conservation programme managed by the Conservatoire des Espaces Naturels. Dry forests are a patrimonial ecosystem protected by the Code de l'Environnement of the Province Sud. This species would benefit from in situ and ex situ conservation actions. It is also 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.

Bibliography

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.

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.