Phyllanthus conjugatus var. ducosensis is a sub shrub of 30-35 cm, endemic of New Caledonia. This subspecies is only known from one location at Ducos peninsula, at the south west of Grande Terre. It is found in dry forest undergrowth on volcano-sedimentary rocks between 20 and 25 m asl. This taxon has suffered dry forest reduction and fragmentation particularly linked to agriculture on the west coast and urban development around Nouméa. Other threats come from habitat degradation due to urbanization, destruction of seeds by rats, human activities (logging for barbecues, over trampling and uncontrolled fires). Its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) are estimated to be 4 km² and 4 km² and it only known from one location. A continuing decline has been observed or estimated in its quality of habitat, AOO and number of mature individuals. P. conjugatus var. ducosensis is assigned a status of Critically Endangered (CR) B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v).

Geographical area

Phyllanthus conjugatus var. ducosensis is endemic of New Caledonia. It is only known from one location at Ducos peninsula, at the south west of Grande Terre.

Population

Population size is unknown.

Habitat

Phyllanthus conjugatus var. ducosensis occurs in dry forest undergrowth on volcano-sedimentary rocks between 20 and 25 m asl.

Threats

This subspecies has suffered dry forest reduction and fragmentation particularly linked to agriculture on the west coast and urban development around Nouméa. Other threats come from habitat degradation due to urbanisation, destruction of seeds by rats, human activities (logging for barbecues, over trampling and uncontrolled fires).

Conservation

Phyllanthus conjugatus var. ducosensis is protected by legislation in Province Nord. None of the subpopulations occur within a protected area while dry forests benefit from a conservation programme managed by the Conservatoire des Espaces Naturels. Dry forests are a patrimonial ecosystem protected by the Code de l'Environnement of the Province Sud. This taxon would benefit from in situ and ex situ emergency conservation actions. And finally, it is recommended to inform the local authority responsible for the coordination of the firefighting effort about 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.