EN

Acalypha rapensis

Declining

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Acalypha rapensis faces severe threats from its extremely limited distribution on Rapa Island in French Polynesia, where the entire population is confined to a single location. Invasive plant species compete directly with this endemic shrub for resources and habitat space, while introduced herbivores damage native vegetation communities. The species' restriction to steep coastal cliffs and rocky slopes makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat degradation and climate-related impacts including sea level rise and increased storm intensity.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic shrub is restricted to steep coastal cliffs, rocky slopes, and exposed ridges on Rapa Island in the Austral Islands of French Polynesia. It typically grows in sparse, wind-exposed vegetation communities on volcanic substrates at elevations up to several hundred meters above sea level.

Other threatened species in EUPHORBIACEAE

CR

Paracroton sterrhopodus

Unknown
EN

Bernardia mollis

Declining
EN

Bernardia oblanceolata

Declining
VU

Mallotus macularis

Stable

Frequently asked questions

Why is Acalypha rapensis classified as Endangered?
Acalypha rapensis is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Acalypha rapensis faces severe threats from its extremely limited distribution on Rapa Island in French Polynesia, where the entire population is confined to a single location. Invasive plant species compete directly with this endemic shrub for resources and habitat space, while introduced herbivores damage native vegetation communities. The species' restriction to steep coastal cliffs and rocky slopes makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat degradation and climate-related impacts including sea level rise and increased storm intensity.
Where does Acalypha rapensis live?
Acalypha rapensis occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Acalypha rapensis?
The main threats to Acalypha rapensis are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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