EN

Melicope makahae

Unknown

Overview

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

Melicope makahae faces severe population decline due to habitat destruction from urban development and agricultural expansion across its limited Hawaiian range. Invasive plant species compete aggressively with native vegetation, degrading the forest understory where this endemic tree depends for regeneration. Feral ungulates, particularly pigs and goats, trample seedlings and damage root systems while browsing on young shoots.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Hawaiian tree inhabits mesic to wet forests on volcanic slopes, typically found in mixed native forest communities at elevations between 300-1,200 meters. It grows in well-drained soils within the understory and canopy gaps of ohia-dominated forests.

Forest - Subtropical/tropical moist lowland· major

Other threatened species in RUTACEAE

CR

Melicope quadrangularis

Declining
VU

Melicope wawraeana

Declining
VU

Vepris drummondii

Declining
VU

Zanthoxylum mildbraedii

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Melicope makahae classified as Endangered?
Melicope makahae 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. Melicope makahae faces severe population decline due to habitat destruction from urban development and agricultural expansion across its limited Hawaiian range. Invasive plant species compete aggressively with native vegetation, degrading the forest understory where this endemic tree depends for regeneration. Feral ungulates, particularly pigs and goats, trample seedlings and damage root systems while browsing on young shoots.
Where does Melicope makahae live?
Melicope makahae 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 Melicope makahae?
The main threats to Melicope makahae 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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