CR

Coryphopteris marquesensis

Unknown

Overview

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

Coryphopteris marquesensis faces severe threats from habitat degradation caused by invasive plant species that alter the understory composition of its native forest environment. The species' extremely limited range on the Marquesas Islands makes it particularly vulnerable to stochastic events and human disturbances. Feral ungulates, particularly pigs and goats, trample and destroy the delicate forest floor habitats where this fern establishes, while also facilitating the spread of invasive weeds that compete for resources.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic fern inhabits the understory of montane rainforests in the Marquesas Islands, typically growing in shaded, humid conditions on forest floors and rocky substrates. It requires the specific microclimate conditions found in intact native forest ecosystems at higher elevations.

Other threatened species in THELYPTERIDACEAE

EN

Thelypteris grantii

Declining
EN

Bermuda Shield Fern

Thelypteris bermudiana

Declining
VU

Amauropelta subtilis

Unknown
CR

Amauropelta bonapartii

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Coryphopteris marquesensis classified as Critically Endangered?
Coryphopteris marquesensis is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Coryphopteris marquesensis faces severe threats from habitat degradation caused by invasive plant species that alter the understory composition of its native forest environment. The species' extremely limited range on the Marquesas Islands makes it particularly vulnerable to stochastic events and human disturbances. Feral ungulates, particularly pigs and goats, trample and destroy the delicate forest floor habitats where this fern establishes, while also facilitating the spread of invasive weeds that compete for resources.
Where does Coryphopteris marquesensis live?
Coryphopteris 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 Coryphopteris marquesensis?
The main threats to Coryphopteris 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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