VU

Melicope kaalaensis

Unknown

Overview

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

Melicope kaalaensis faces severe habitat degradation from invasive plant species that alter native forest composition and structure. The species' extremely limited range on Kauai makes it particularly vulnerable to stochastic events and localized disturbances. Feral ungulates, particularly pigs and goats, damage the understory vegetation and create conditions favorable for invasive species establishment, further fragmenting the already restricted habitat.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Hawaiian shrub inhabits mesic to wet montane forests on the island of Kauai, typically found in native ohia-dominated forest communities at elevations between 1,000-1,500 meters. The species requires intact native forest understory conditions with adequate moisture and protection from direct sunlight.

Forest - Subtropical/tropical moist lowland· major

Other threatened species in RUTACEAE

CR

Melicope quadrangularis

Declining
VU

Melicope wawraeana

Declining
VU

Vepris drummondii

Declining
VU

Zanthoxylum mildbraedii

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Melicope kaalaensis classified as Vulnerable?
Melicope kaalaensis 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. Melicope kaalaensis faces severe habitat degradation from invasive plant species that alter native forest composition and structure. The species' extremely limited range on Kauai makes it particularly vulnerable to stochastic events and localized disturbances. Feral ungulates, particularly pigs and goats, damage the understory vegetation and create conditions favorable for invasive species establishment, further fragmenting the already restricted habitat.
Where does Melicope kaalaensis live?
Melicope kaalaensis 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 Melicope kaalaensis?
The main threats to Melicope kaalaensis 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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