EN

Meryta salicifolia

Declining

Overview

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

Meryta salicifolia faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range in New Caledonia. The species is particularly vulnerable to invasive plant species that outcompete native vegetation and alter forest composition. Mining activities, especially nickel extraction, have fragmented remaining forest patches and degraded soil quality in critical habitat areas.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic New Caledonian tree species inhabits humid montane forests and forest margins at elevations between 200-1,000 meters. It typically grows in well-drained soils on slopes and ridges within the island's unique ultramafic substrate ecosystems.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Meryta salicifolia classified as Endangered?
Meryta salicifolia 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. Meryta salicifolia faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range in New Caledonia. The species is particularly vulnerable to invasive plant species that outcompete native vegetation and alter forest composition. Mining activities, especially nickel extraction, have fragmented remaining forest patches and degraded soil quality in critical habitat areas.
Where does Meryta salicifolia live?
Meryta salicifolia 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 Meryta salicifolia?
The main threats to Meryta salicifolia 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.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.