Taxonomy
Synonyms
Phyllanthus mandjeliaensis M.SchmidRed List Status -
Critically Endangered (CR) , assessed in 20/08/2020Description
Phyllanthus mandjeliaensis is a sub-shrub or small shrub of 0.3-1 m high, endemic of New Caledonia. It is restricted to the Mandjelia massif in the north east of Grande Terre. This species occurs in forests undergrowth on volcano-sedimentary substrates at an altitude range of 500 and 800 m asl. The main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by uncontrolled bushfires as this species occurs near walking path. This species may also be impacted by invasive species (Rusa timorensis and feral pigs) but the impacts are low. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are respectively estimated to be of 12 km² and 12 km² while the number of locations is estimated to be 1. Using criterion B and with the estimation of a continuous decline of its habitat quality and number of mature individuals, Phyllanthus mandjeliaensis is considered as Critically Endangered (CR) B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v).
Geographical area
Phyllanthus mandjeliaensis is endemic of New Caledonia where it is restricted to the Mandjelia massif in the north east of Grande Terre.
Population
Population size is not known.
Habitat
Phyllanthus mandjeliaensis occurs in forests undergrowth on volcano-sedimentary substrates at an altitude range of 500 and 800 m asl.
Threats
The main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by uncontrolled bushfires as this species occurs near walking path. This species may also be impacted by invasive species (Rusa timorensis and feral pigs) but the impacts are low.
Conservation
Phyllanthus genus is protected by legislation in Province Nord. None of the subpopulations occur within a protected area. This species should be included in the regional legislation for a better protection of the species and it would 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 northeastern forests to 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.