Phyllanthus tiebaghiensis is a sub-shrub of 0.5-2.5 m high, endemic of New Caledonia. It is restricted to the far north west of Grande Terre as well as in Yandé and Belep islands. This species occurs in maquis and in forest undergrowth on ultramafic substrates at an altitude range of 20 and 600 m asl. The main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by uncontrolled bushfires and mining activities at Tiébaghi. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are respectively estimated to be of 645 km² and 60 km² while the number of locations is estimated to be 3. Using criterion B and with the estimation of a continuous decline of the concerned subcriteria, Phyllanthus tiebaghiensis is assessed as Endangered (EN) B1ab(i,ii,iii,v)+2ab(i,ii,iii,v).

Geographical area

Phyllanthus tiebaghiensis is endemic of New Caledonia where it is restricted to the far north west of Grande Terre as well as in Yandé and Belep islands.

Population

Population size is unknown.

Habitat

Phyllanthus tiebaghiensis occurs in maquis and in forest undergrowth on ultramafic substrates at an altitude range of 20 and 600 m asl.

Threats

The main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by uncontrolled bushfires and mining activities at Tiébaghi.

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. Phyllanthus tiebaghiensis, whose propagation is well controlled, is used for revegetation (personal comm. Lannuzel).

Bibliography

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.

Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.

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.