Alyxia sp.nov. MacKee 17256 is a new endemic species from New Caledonia, where it is restricted to the south west of Grande Terre. It is known from three subpopulations: Mt Koungouhaou, Vallée de la Tontouta and Mont Mou. It occurs in shrubland on ultramafic subtrate up to 950 m asl. The main identified threats come from bushfires and mining activities. Its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) are respectively estimated to 28 and 129 km², while the number of locations is estimated to be four. Alyxia sp.nov. MacKee 17256 is therefore assessed as Endangered (EN) under criteria B1ab(ii,iii,v)+2ab(ii,iii,v) with an estimated continuing decline of all concerned sub-criteria.

Geographical area

This new species is endemic to New Caledonia, where it is restricted to the south west of Grande Terre. It is known from three subpopulations: Mt Koungouhaou, Vallée de la Tontouta and Mont Mou.

Population

Population size is unknown.

Habitat

Alyxia sp.nov. MacKee 17256 occurs in shrubland on ultramafic subtrate up to 950 m asl.

Threats

The main identified threats come from bushfires and mining activities.

Conservation

Alyxia sp.nov. MacKee 17256 is unprotected by legislation in New Caledonia and it does not occur in any protected areas. This species would benefit from ex situ and in situ emergency conservation actions. 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. Finally, surveys and collections at Dent de St Vincent are recommended to improve the knowledge on this poorly known species.

Bibliography

Lannuzel et al. 2024. Alyxia Banks ex R.Br. in New Caledonia: a clarification of several species complexes, nomenclatural notes, and a description of three new species. Phytotaxa(649 (1)) , p.1-43.

Boiteau Pierre avec collaboration de Lucie Allorge 1982. Flore de la Nouvelle Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 10 : Apocynacées.

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.

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].

Experts

Assessor(s): Amice, R., Bruy, D., Cazé, H., Eltabet, N., Garnier, D., Fleurot, D., Lannuzel, G., Laudereau, C., Vandrot, H.

Reviewer(s): Meyer, S.

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