CR

Machaerina nukuhivensis

Declining

Overview

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

Machaerina nukuhivensis faces severe threats from invasive plant species that outcompete native vegetation and alter soil chemistry in its montane habitat. Habitat degradation from feral ungulates, particularly pigs and goats, has destroyed much of the understory vegetation where this sedge grows. Climate change poses an additional threat as rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns affect the cloud forest ecosystems essential for the species' survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic sedge inhabits montane cloud forests and wet grasslands on the volcanic slopes of Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas Islands. It grows in moist, well-drained soils at elevations between 800-1,200 meters where persistent cloud cover maintains high humidity levels.

Other threatened species in CYPERACEAE

Carex lapazensisCR

Carex lapazensis

Unknown
EN

Bulbostylis nemoides

Unknown
VU

Costularia baronii

Declining
VU

Costularia robusta

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Machaerina nukuhivensis classified as Critically Endangered?
Machaerina nukuhivensis 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. Machaerina nukuhivensis faces severe threats from invasive plant species that outcompete native vegetation and alter soil chemistry in its montane habitat. Habitat degradation from feral ungulates, particularly pigs and goats, has destroyed much of the understory vegetation where this sedge grows. Climate change poses an additional threat as rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns affect the cloud forest ecosystems essential for the species' survival.
Where does Machaerina nukuhivensis live?
Machaerina nukuhivensis 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 Machaerina nukuhivensis?
The main threats to Machaerina nukuhivensis 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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