EN

Geniostoma kaalae

Unknown

Overview

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

Geniostoma kaalae faces severe habitat degradation from invasive plant species that alter native forest composition and structure. Feral ungulates, particularly pigs and goats, damage the understory vegetation and create erosion that degrades the mesic forest ecosystem this endemic Hawaiian species requires. Urban development and agricultural expansion continue to fragment remaining suitable habitat across its limited range on Oahu.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Hawaiian shrub inhabits mesic forests on the island of Oahu, typically found in native mixed forests at mid-elevations. It grows in the understory of forests dominated by native trees like koa and ohia, requiring the specific moisture and light conditions of intact Hawaiian mesic forest ecosystems.

Forest· major

Other threatened species in LOGANIACEAE

EN

Geniostoma lydgatei

Declining
CR

Geniostoma clavatum

Declining
CR

Geniostoma triflorum

Declining
CR

Geniostoma hosakanum

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Geniostoma kaalae classified as Endangered?
Geniostoma kaalae 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. Geniostoma kaalae faces severe habitat degradation from invasive plant species that alter native forest composition and structure. Feral ungulates, particularly pigs and goats, damage the understory vegetation and create erosion that degrades the mesic forest ecosystem this endemic Hawaiian species requires. Urban development and agricultural expansion continue to fragment remaining suitable habitat across its limited range on Oahu.
Where does Geniostoma kaalae live?
Geniostoma kaalae 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 Geniostoma kaalae?
The main threats to Geniostoma kaalae 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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