Phyllanthus conjugatus var. maaensis is a sub shrub of 30-35 cm, endemic of New Caledonia and it is restricted to the south west of Grande Terre. This subspecies is only known from Pointe Maa. It is found in dry forest undergrowth on clay soil and volcano-sedimentary substrate at approximately 20 m asl. This subspecies has suffered sclerophyllous 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 Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis), logging activities 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. maaensis is assigned a status of Critically Endangered B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v).

Geographical area

Phyllanthus conjugatus var. maaensis is endemic of New Caledonia where it is restricted to the south west of Grande Terre. This subspecies is only known from Pointe Maa.

Population

Population size is unknown

Habitat

Phyllanthus conjugatus var. maaensis occurs in undergrowth dry forest on clay soil and volcano-sedimentary substrate at approximately 20 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 Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis), logging activities and uncontrolled fires.

Conservation

Phyllanthus genus 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

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): Warimavute, G., Meyer, S.