Phyllanthus tenuipedicellatus is a sub-shrub and shrub of 0.5-3 m high, endemic of New Caledonia with a scattered distribution across the Grande Terre, between Port Boisé and Mt. Monéo. This species occurs in maquis and in undergrowth littoral forests on ultramafic substrates up to 50 m asl. The main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by uncontrolled bushfires and mining activities at Cap Bocage. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are respectively estimated to be of 3,678 km² and 40 km² while the number of locations is estimated to be 9. Using criterion B and with the estimation of a continuous decline of its habitat quality, AOO and number of mature individuals, Phyllanthus tenuipedicellatus is assessed as Vulnérable (VU) selon les critères B1ab(ii,iii,v)+2ab(ii,iii,v) avec un déclin estimé de l'ensemble des sous-critères concernés.

Geographical area

Phyllanthus tenuipedicellatus is endemic to New Caledonia where it has a scattered distribution, between Port Boisé and Mt. Monéo.

Population

Population size is unknown.

Habitat

Phyllanthus tenuipedicellatus occurs in maquis and in undergrowth littoral forests on ultramafic substrates up to 50 m asl.

Threats

The main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by uncontrolled bushfires and mining activities at Cap Bocage that contribute to the decline of its habitat quality.

Conservation

Phyllanthus genus is protected by legislation in Province Nord. None of the subpopulations occur within a protected area. This species should benefit from in situ and ex situ emergency conservation actions. It is recommended to inform the DSCGR (emergency services), responsible for the coordination of the firefighting effort on the presence of the species in the concerned areas. It is moreover suggested to realise field surveys at Canala region to better estimate its distribution range and population size.

Bibliography

McPherson, G.; Schmid, M. 1991. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 17 : Euphorbiaceae II Phyllanthaceae.

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.

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

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.