Taxonomy
Synonyms
Phyllanthus margaretiae M.SchmidRed List Status -
Critically Endangered (CR) , assessed in 20/08/2020
Description
Phyllanthus margaretiae is a sub-shrub of 30-50 cm high from New Caledonia, where it is only known from the Aoupinié massif, in the northern centre of Grande Terre. This species occurs in dense humid forest undergrowth on volcano-sedimentary soil between 850 and 1,000 m asl. The main threat is posed by invasive species (Rusa timorensis) causing qualitat habitat degradation. Known from a single location, its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are estimated to 12 km² and 12 km². Therefore, Phyllanthus margaretiae is listed as Critically Endangered (CR) under criteria B1ab(iii), with an estimated decline of the habitat quality.
Geographical area
Phyllanthus margaretiae is endemic of New Caledonia where it is only known from the Aoupinié massif, in the northern centre of Grande Terre.
Population
Population size is unknown.
Habitat
Phyllanthus margaretiae occurs in dense humid forest undergrowth on volcano-sedimentary soil between 850 and 1,000 m asl.
Threats
The main threat is posed by invasive species (Rusa timorensis) causing qualitat habitat degradation.
Conservation
Phyllanthus genus is protected by legislation in Province Nord. Phyllanthus margaretiae occurs in only one protected area : Aoupinié.
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): Warimavute, G., Meyer, S.