Phyllanthus trichopodus is a shrub of 1-3.5 m high, endemic of New Caledonia and restricted to the north east of Grande Terre, from Ponandou and Kokingone. This species was historically seen at Tupeti islet by Deplanche in the 1860s and it may be locally extinct due to the high decline of the habitat quality in the area by Rusa deer. Phyllanthus trichopodus occurs in humid forests on ultramafic substrate at an altitude range of 25 and 60 m asl. The main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by uncontrolled bushfires and invasive Rusa deer, Rusa timorensis. 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 2. Using criterion B and with the estimation of a continuous decline of its habitat quality and number of mature individuals, Phyllanthus trichopodus is assessed as Endangered (EN) B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v).

Geographical area

Phyllanthus trichopodus is endemic of New Caledonia and restricted to the north east of Grande Terre, from Ponandou and Kokingone. This may be present at Tupeti islet where it was last seen by Deplanche in the 1860s and it may be locally extinct due to the high decline of the habitat quality in the area by Rusa deer.

Population

Population size is unknown.

Habitat

Phyllanthus trichopodus occurs in humid forests on ultramafic substrate at an altitude range of 25 and 60 m asl.

Threats

The main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by uncontrolled bushfires and invasive Rusa deer, Rusa timorensis.

Conservation

Phyllanthus genus is protected by legislation in Province Nord. Phyllanthus trichopodus does not occur in any protected area. 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 recommended to inform the Conservatoire d'espaces naturels de Nouvelle-Calédonie (New Caledonia natural spaces conservatory), which coordinates the New caledonian Invasive Species Programme, on the situation of the species in the concerned areas. It is moreover suggested to realise field surveys at Tupeti islet and in the near by areas to better estimate its distribution range and population size.

Bibliography

Munzinger J., Morat Ph., Jaffré T., Gâteblé G., Pillon Y., Rouhan G., Bruy, D., Veillon J.-M., & M. Chalopin 2020. FLORICAL: Checklist of the vascular indigenous flora of New Caledonia [continuously updated].

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., Bruy, D., Butin, J., Cazé, H., Fleurot, D., Héquet, V., Lannuzel, G., Laudereau, C., Lagrange, A., Veillon, J., Garnier, D., Dumontet, V., Goxe, J., McCoy, S., Gâteblé, G.

Reviewer(s): Warimavute, G.

Facilitator(s): Vandrot, H., Meyer, S., Warimavute, G.