VU

Bidens microcephala

Declining

Overview

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

Bidens microcephala faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range in the Hawaiian Islands. The species is particularly vulnerable to habitat conversion for pineapple and sugarcane cultivation, which has eliminated much of its native dry forest habitat. Invasive plant species further degrade remaining habitat patches, while the species' restricted distribution makes it highly susceptible to localized extinction events.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Hawaiian plant inhabits dry to mesic forests and shrublands, typically occurring on volcanic soils at elevations between 300-1,200 meters. It grows in open areas and forest edges within native koa and ohia-dominated ecosystems.

Other threatened species in ASTERACEAE

EN

Bidens cosmoides

Declining
VU

Piptolepis monticola

Unknown
Libanothamnus parvulusCR

Libanothamnus parvulus

Declining
EN

Gynoxys neovelutina

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Bidens microcephala classified as Vulnerable?
Bidens microcephala is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Bidens microcephala faces severe pressure from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range in the Hawaiian Islands. The species is particularly vulnerable to habitat conversion for pineapple and sugarcane cultivation, which has eliminated much of its native dry forest habitat. Invasive plant species further degrade remaining habitat patches, while the species' restricted distribution makes it highly susceptible to localized extinction events.
Where does Bidens microcephala live?
Bidens microcephala 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 Bidens microcephala?
The main threats to Bidens microcephala 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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