EN

Myrsine brownii

Declining

Overview

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

Myrsine brownii faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as native Hawaiian forests are cleared for agriculture and urban development. Invasive plant species compete aggressively with this endemic shrub, altering forest composition and reducing available growing space. Feral ungulates, particularly pigs and goats, damage the understory vegetation and soil structure where M. brownii naturally occurs, while introduced herbivores browse on native seedlings and saplings.

Threat summary

Habitat

Myrsine brownii is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, where it inhabits native mesic and wet forests typically between 300-1,500 meters elevation. This shrub grows in the understory of mixed native forest communities, often associated with koa and ohia trees in areas receiving moderate to high rainfall.

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EN

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Myrsine brownii classified as Endangered?
Myrsine brownii 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. Myrsine brownii faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as native Hawaiian forests are cleared for agriculture and urban development. Invasive plant species compete aggressively with this endemic shrub, altering forest composition and reducing available growing space. Feral ungulates, particularly pigs and goats, damage the understory vegetation and soil structure where M. brownii naturally occurs, while introduced herbivores browse on native seedlings and saplings.
Where does Myrsine brownii live?
Myrsine brownii 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 Myrsine brownii?
The main threats to Myrsine brownii 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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