EN

Lepinia taitensis

Declining

Overview

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

Lepinia taitensis faces severe pressure from invasive plant species that outcompete native vegetation and alter forest composition in its limited montane habitat. Habitat degradation from feral ungulates, particularly pigs and goats, damages the understory vegetation and soil structure essential for this endemic tree's survival. Climate change poses an additional threat as rising temperatures may force suitable habitat zones upslope, reducing the already restricted range of this Tahitian endemic.

Threat summary

Habitat

Lepinia taitensis is endemic to the montane forests of Tahiti, French Polynesia, where it occurs in humid, cloud-affected forests at elevations between 800-1,500 meters. The species grows in the understory and canopy gaps of native mixed forests dominated by indigenous trees and ferns.

Other threatened species in APOCYNACEAE

EN

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Ceropegia loranthiflora

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Lepinia taitensis classified as Endangered?
Lepinia taitensis 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. Lepinia taitensis faces severe pressure from invasive plant species that outcompete native vegetation and alter forest composition in its limited montane habitat. Habitat degradation from feral ungulates, particularly pigs and goats, damages the understory vegetation and soil structure essential for this endemic tree's survival. Climate change poses an additional threat as rising temperatures may force suitable habitat zones upslope, reducing the already restricted range of this Tahitian endemic.
Where does Lepinia taitensis live?
Lepinia taitensis 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 Lepinia taitensis?
The main threats to Lepinia taitensis 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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