Phyllanthus vespertilio is a sub-shrub or shrub endemic of New Caledonia. This species is known from 2 subpopulations: Col d'Amoss, Ponandou, restricted to the north east of Grande Terre. This species occurs in undergrowth humid forests on volcano-sedimentary substrates at 500 m asl. The main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by invasive species (Rusa deer, Rusa timorensis). Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are respectively estimated to be of 154 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, Phyllanthus vespertilio is assessed as Endangered (EN) B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii).

Geographical area

Phyllanthus vespertilio is endemic to New Caledonia where it is known from from 2 subpopulations: Col d'Amoss and Ponandou.

Population

Population size is unkown.

Habitat

Phyllanthus vespertilio occurs in undergrowth humid forests on volcano-sedimentary substrates at 500 m asl.

Threats

The main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by invasive species (Rusa deer, Rusa timorensis).

Conservation

Phyllanthus genus is protected by legislation in Province Nord. Phyllanthus vespertilio does not occur in any protected areas. This species should be listed in the Province Sud legislation. 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. And because of its potential scattered distribution, it is also recommended to realise field surveys in the distribution range.

Bibliography

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

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.

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): Warimavute, G., Vandrot, H., Meyer, S.