Phyllanthus conjugatus var. conjugatus is a sub shrub of 30-35 cm, endemic of New Caledonia and it is restricted to the Tontouta and Kalouéhola valleys, at the south of Grande Terre. This subspecies occurs in maquis undergrowth on rocky ultramafic slopes dominating Kalouehola valley, between 30 and 150 m asl. The main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by bushfires and mining activities at Tontouta. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are respectively estimated to be of 24 km² and 20 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, P. conjugatus var. conjugatus is assessed as Endangered (EN) B1ab(i,ii,iii,v)+2ab(i,ii,iii,v).

Geographical area

Phyllanthus conjugatus var. conjugatus is endemic of New Caledonia where it is restricted to the Tontouta and Kalouéhola valleys, at the south of Grande Terre.

Population

Population size is unknown.

Habitat

Phyllanthus conjugatus var. conjugatus occurs in maquis undergrowth on rocky ultramafic slopes dominating Kalouehola valley, between 30 and 150 m asl.

Threats

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

Conservation

Phyllanthus genus is protected by legislation in Province Nord. None of the subpopulations occur within a protected area. This subspecies would benefit from in situ and ex situ emergency conservation actions. It is also recommended to inform the DSCGR (emergency services), responsible for the coordination of the firefighting effort on the presence of the subspecies in the concerned areas.

Bibliography

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.

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): Meyer, S., Warimavute, G.