EN

Habenaria tahitensis

Declining

Overview

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

Habenaria tahitensis faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as French Polynesia's native forests are cleared for development and agriculture. The species' extremely limited range makes it vulnerable to localized disturbances, while invasive plant species compete for resources in its remaining habitat fragments. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns that could disrupt the delicate moisture conditions this orchid requires.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic orchid inhabits the humid montane forests of Tahiti, typically growing in shaded understory conditions with rich, well-drained soils. It occurs at elevations between 400-1,200 meters where consistent moisture and filtered sunlight create optimal growing conditions.

Other threatened species in ORCHIDACEAE

EN

Porpax angustifolia

Unknown
EN

Polystachya longiscapa

Unknown
CR

The Lost Spathoglottis

Spathoglottis arunachalensis

Declining
VU

Disperis galerita

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Habenaria tahitensis classified as Endangered?
Habenaria 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. Habenaria tahitensis faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as French Polynesia's native forests are cleared for development and agriculture. The species' extremely limited range makes it vulnerable to localized disturbances, while invasive plant species compete for resources in its remaining habitat fragments. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns that could disrupt the delicate moisture conditions this orchid requires.
Where does Habenaria tahitensis live?
Habenaria 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 Habenaria tahitensis?
The main threats to Habenaria 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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