EN

Melicope christophersenii

Unknown

Overview

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

Melicope christophersenii faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range in Hawaii. Invasive plant species compete directly with native vegetation, altering forest composition and reducing suitable habitat. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to stochastic events and further habitat fragmentation.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Hawaiian tree species inhabits mesic to wet forests on volcanic slopes, typically found in native mixed forests at elevations between 300-1,200 meters. It grows in areas with high rainfall and rich volcanic soils, often associated with other native Hawaiian flora in remnant forest patches.

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 christophersenii classified as Endangered?
Melicope christophersenii 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 christophersenii faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range in Hawaii. Invasive plant species compete directly with native vegetation, altering forest composition and reducing suitable habitat. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to stochastic events and further habitat fragmentation.
Where does Melicope christophersenii live?
Melicope christophersenii 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 christophersenii?
The main threats to Melicope christophersenii 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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