Taxonomy
Dendrophyllanthus luciliae
Synonyms
Phyllanthus luciliae M.SchmidRed List Status -
Critically Endangered (CR) , assessed in 27/10/2017
Description
Phyllanthus luciliae is endemic to New Caledonia, only known from Cap Bocage, on the central east coast of Grande Terre. This shrub occurs in littoral forest undergrowth on ultramafic substrate at low altitudes. Known from only one location, its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are both estimated at 16 km². The main threats are uncontrolled bushfires and urbanisation (land clearing). Besides, past mining activities have caused erosion in its area. Therefore, P. luciliae is listed as Critically Endangered (CR) under criteria B1ab(iii,v)
Geographical area
P. luciliae is endemic to New Caledonia where it is only known from Cap Bocage, on the central east coast of Grande Terre.
Population
Population size is unknown.
Habitat
P. luciliae occurs in low elevation vallicole, littoral forest undergrowth on ultramafic substrate up to 50 m asl.
Threats
The main threats are uncontrolled bushfires and urbanization (land clearing), while past mining activities have caused erosion in the area.
Conservation
P. luciliae is protected by legislation in Province Nord, but does not occur in any protected areas. This species would benefit from ex situ and in situ emergency conservation actions. It is recommended to monitor and preserve known populations, and to inform the local authority responsible for the coordination of the firefighting effort about the presence of the species in the concerned areas. It would also be advised to run multiplication tests in order to assist future planting operations. Finally, prospection at Cap Bocage is needed to better estimate the size of the population and understand potential threats.
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.
Lannuzel, G.; Gâteblé, G.; Fogliani, B. 2017. Etude des Espèces Rares et Menacées des sites miniers de la SMT.
Experts
Assessor(s): Amice, R., Barrière, R., Butin, J., Fleurot, D., Lagrange, A., Lannuzel, G., Letocart, I., Suprin, B.
Reviewer(s): Veillon, J.
Contributor(s): Russ, L.
Facilitator(s): Tanguy, V., Warimavute, G.