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Melicope hivaoaensis

Declining

Overview

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

Melicope hivaoaensis faces severe threats from habitat degradation on its native island of Hiva Oa in the Marquesas Islands. The species' extremely limited range makes it vulnerable to invasive plant species that alter forest composition and compete for resources. Feral ungulates, particularly pigs and goats, damage the understory vegetation and soil structure essential for this endemic tree's survival. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns and increased storm intensity affecting the montane forests where this species occurs.

Threat summary

Habitat

Melicope hivaoaensis is endemic to the montane forests of Hiva Oa in the Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia. It occurs in humid, cloud-affected forests at elevations between 800-1200 meters, typically in areas with rich volcanic soils and dense canopy cover.

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Melicope hivaoaensis classified as Endangered?
Melicope hivaoaensis 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. Melicope hivaoaensis faces severe threats from habitat degradation on its native island of Hiva Oa in the Marquesas Islands. The species' extremely limited range makes it vulnerable to invasive plant species that alter forest composition and compete for resources. Feral ungulates, particularly pigs and goats, damage the understory vegetation and soil structure essential for this endemic tree's survival. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns and increased storm intensity affecting the montane forests where this species occurs.
Where does Melicope hivaoaensis live?
Melicope hivaoaensis 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 hivaoaensis?
The main threats to Melicope hivaoaensis 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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