Phyllanthus loranthoides var. longifolius is an endemic small shrub of New Caledonia only known from Koumac and Gomen in the north west of Grande Terre. This subspecies is rare and it occurs in dry forests on calcareous substrates at an altitude range of 200 and 250 m asl. This type of habitat is really threatened by invasive species (Rusa deer, Rusa timorensis) and bushfires and thus contribute to its decline and the decline of its habitat. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are respectively estimated to be of 27 km² and 12 km² while the number of locations is estimated to be 1. Using criterion B and with the estimation of a continuous decline of its habitat quality, AOO and number of mature indivuals, Phyllanthus loranthoides var. longifolius is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) B1ab(iii,v).

Geographical area

Phyllanthus loranthoides var. longifolius is an endemic of New Caledonia where it is only known from Koumac and Gomen in the north west of Grande Terre.

Population

Population size is unknown.

Habitat

Phyllanthus loranthoides var. longifolius occurs in dry forests on calcareous substrates at an altitude range of 200 and 250 m asl.

Threats

This type of habitat is really threatened by invasive species (Rusa deer, Rusa timorensis) and bushfires and thus contribute to its decline and the decline of its habitat.

Conservation

Phyllanthus genus is protected by legislation in Province Nord. Phyllanthus loranthoides var. longifoliusdoes not occur in any protected area. It is recommended to urgently realise ex situ and in situ conservation efforts, in particular: ensuring the follow-up of the known sub-populations and preserving it on delimited perimeters. It is moreover recommended to prospect calcareous outcrop around Koumac. 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

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., Warimavute, G., Meyer, S.