EN

Polyscias tahitensis

Declining

Overview

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

Polyscias tahitensis is restricted to a small number of upland forest sites on Tahiti in French Polynesia, where its already limited range is being further reduced by the encroachment of invasive plant species such as Miconia calvescens, which outcompetes native understorey vegetation. Feral pigs disturb the shallow volcanic soils and damage seedlings, limiting natural regeneration in the remaining populations. Because the species is confined to a single island with few known subpopulations, any localized habitat disturbance, including landslides on steep tropical slopes, poses a disproportionate risk to its long-term survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species occupies humid montane and upland tropical forest on the volcanic slopes of Tahiti, typically growing within native forest understorey at moderate elevations.

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Polyscias tahitensis classified as Endangered?
Polyscias tahitensis 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. Polyscias tahitensis is restricted to a small number of upland forest sites on Tahiti in French Polynesia, where its already limited range is being further reduced by the encroachment of invasive plant species such as Miconia calvescens, which outcompetes native understorey vegetation. Feral pigs disturb the shallow volcanic soils and damage seedlings, limiting natural regeneration in the remaining populations. Because the species is confined to a single island with few known subpopulations, any localized habitat disturbance, including landslides on steep tropical slopes, poses a disproportionate risk to its long-term survival.
Where does Polyscias tahitensis live?
Polyscias tahitensis 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 Polyscias tahitensis?
The main threats to Polyscias tahitensis 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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