Cyclophyllum taomense is a new endemic species from New Caledonia. It is only known from one single collection observed at Taom massif (north west of Grande Terre) by Barrabé and Rigault in 2008. It occurs in scrubland on serpentine substrate at an altitude range of approximatively 940 m asl. The main threats are linked to bushfires that contribute to the decline of its habitat quality. Its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) are both equal to 4 km², while the species is known to exist at only a single location. Therefore, Cyclophyllum taomense is therefore assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) with criteria B1ab (iii,v)+2ab(iii,v), with an estimated continuing decline of all concerned sub-criteria.

Geographical area

Cyclophyllum taomense is endemic to New Caledonia where it is only known from one single collection observed at Taom massif (north west of Grande Terre) by Barrabé and Rigault in 2008.

Population

The population size is not known.

Habitat

This species occurs in scrubland on serpentine substrate at an altitude range of approximatively 940 m asl.

Threats

The main threats are linked to bushfires that contribute to the decline of its habitat quality.

Conservation

This species is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia and it does not occur in any protected area. It is recommended to inform the DSCGR (emergency services) on the presence of the species in the concerned areas. Searches in the nearby region in the north west massifs are needed in order to better estimate its population and threats.

Bibliography

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

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].

Mouly A. & Jeanson M. 2015. Specialization to ultramafic substrates and narrow endemism of Cyclophyllum (Rubiaceae) in New Caledonia: contribution of novel species to the understanding of these singular patterns. Acta Botanica Gallica(162) , p.173-189.

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., Bruy, D., Cazé, H., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Héquet, V., Lagrange, A., Lannuzel, G., Laudereau, C., McCoy, S., Vandrot, H.

Reviewer(s): Pillon, Y.

Facilitator(s): Fourdrain, A., Warimavute, G.