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Melicope margaretae

Declining

Overview

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

Melicope margaretae faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range in the Hawaiian Islands. The species is particularly vulnerable to invasive plant species that alter native forest composition and compete for resources. Small population size makes the species susceptible to stochastic events and genetic bottlenecks that could drive local extinctions.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Hawaiian shrub inhabits native mesic and wet forests at mid to high elevations, typically growing in understory environments with rich volcanic soils. The species requires intact native forest ecosystems with appropriate canopy cover and moisture levels characteristic of Hawaii's montane forest zones.

Other threatened species in RUTACEAE

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Melicope margaretae classified as Endangered?
Melicope margaretae 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 margaretae faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range in the Hawaiian Islands. The species is particularly vulnerable to invasive plant species that alter native forest composition and compete for resources. Small population size makes the species susceptible to stochastic events and genetic bottlenecks that could drive local extinctions.
Where does Melicope margaretae live?
Melicope margaretae 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 margaretae?
The main threats to Melicope margaretae 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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