Phyllanthus rozennae is an endemic shrub from New Caledonia, where it is only known from Art island (plateau Sud) at Belep islands, in the northern part of Grande Terre. This species is only known from one collection by Veillon in 1978 and it has not been observed since. It occurs in maquis and in dense humid forest on ultramafic soil between 150 and 200 m asl. Known from a single location, its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are both 4 km². The main threat is posed by bushfires causing habitat degradation. Therefore, Phyllanthus rozennae is listed as Critically Endangered (CR) under criteria B1ab(iii,v)+B2ab(iii,v) with an estimated decline of its habitat quality and the number of mature individuals.

Geographical area

Phyllanthus rozennae is endemic of New Caledonia where it is only known from Art island at Belep islands, in the northern part of Grande Terre. This species is only known from one collection by Veillon in 1978 and it has not been observed since.

Population

Population size is unknown.

Habitat

Phyllanthus rozennae occurs in maquis and in dense humid forest on ultramafic soil between 150 and 200 m asl.

Threats

The main threat is posed by bushfires, frequent in the area. It is suspected that a recent fire of 2019 may have impacted the species. Other potential threats are the mining activities that could represent a threat in the future.

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 at Art island to collect more biological material and better estimateare 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): Warimavute, G., Meyer, S.