EN

Ascarina marquesensis

Declining

Overview

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

Ascarina marquesensis faces severe threats from invasive plant species that outcompete native vegetation and alter forest composition in the Marquesas Islands. Habitat degradation from introduced ungulates, particularly feral pigs and goats, damages the understory where this endemic shrub grows. The species' extremely limited range on just a few islands makes it highly vulnerable to stochastic events and ongoing human pressures.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic shrub inhabits the humid montane forests of the Marquesas Islands, typically growing in the understory of native forest remnants at higher elevations. It requires the specific microclimate conditions found in these isolated Pacific island forests.

Other threatened species in CHLORANTHACEAE

VU

Hedyosmum maximum

Unknown
VU

Hedyosmum steinii

Declining
VU

Ascarina maheshwarii

Unknown
EN

Ascarina subfalcata

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Ascarina marquesensis classified as Endangered?
Ascarina marquesensis 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. Ascarina marquesensis faces severe threats from invasive plant species that outcompete native vegetation and alter forest composition in the Marquesas Islands. Habitat degradation from introduced ungulates, particularly feral pigs and goats, damages the understory where this endemic shrub grows. The species' extremely limited range on just a few islands makes it highly vulnerable to stochastic events and ongoing human pressures.
Where does Ascarina marquesensis live?
Ascarina marquesensis 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 Ascarina marquesensis?
The main threats to Ascarina marquesensis 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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