Phyllanthus salicifolius is a shrub of 1-1.5 m high, endemic to New Caledonia and restricted to the far north east of Grande Terre. This species is known from 2 subpopulations: Sentier Parari and Diahot, above Ouenia. This species occurs riparian habitats, along the edge of rivers and river banks up to 300 m asl. The main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by uncontrolled bushfires around Ouegoa region that contribute to the modification of river and stream flows (drying up of the rivers). Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are respectively estimated to be of 8 km² and 8 km² while the number of locations is estimated to be 2. Using criterion B and with the estimation of a continuous decline of its habitat quality and number of mature individuals, Phyllanthus salicifolius is assessed as Endangered (EN) B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v).

Geographical area

Phyllanthus salicifolius is endemic to New Caledonia where it is restricted to the far north east of Grande Terre. This species is known from 2 subpopulations: Sentier Parari and Diahot, above Ouenia.

Population

Population size is unknown.

Habitat

Phyllanthus salicifolius occurs riparian habitats, along the edge of rivers and river banks up to 300 m asl.

Threats

The main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by uncontrolled bushfires around Ouegoa region that contribute to the modification of river and stream flows (drying up of the rivers).

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.

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.

McPherson, G.; Schmid, M. 1991. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 17 : Euphorbiaceae II Phyllanthaceae.

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.