CR

Myrsine tahuatensis

Unknown

Overview

Myrsine tahuatensis is a species of plant in the family Primulaceae. It is endemic to the island of Tahuata, in the Marquesas Islands of French Polynesia.

Myrsine tahuatensis faces severe threats from its extremely restricted range on Rapa Iti island in French Polynesia, where the entire population is confined to a single location. Invasive plant species are actively displacing native vegetation and altering the forest composition critical to this endemic shrub's survival. The species' limited genetic diversity and small population size make it highly vulnerable to stochastic events and environmental changes.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic shrub occurs in montane cloud forests and humid upland areas on Rapa Iti island, typically growing in native forest understory at elevations between 300-650 meters. The species requires the specific microclimate conditions provided by the island's remaining intact native forest fragments.

Other threatened species in PRIMULACEAE

EN

Bonellia loeflingii

Declining
EN

Ardisia breedlovei

Declining
EN

Ardisia rarescens

Declining
CR

Geissanthus lehmannii

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Myrsine tahuatensis classified as Critically Endangered?
Myrsine tahuatensis 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. Myrsine tahuatensis faces severe threats from its extremely restricted range on Rapa Iti island in French Polynesia, where the entire population is confined to a single location. Invasive plant species are actively displacing native vegetation and altering the forest composition critical to this endemic shrub's survival. The species' limited genetic diversity and small population size make it highly vulnerable to stochastic events and environmental changes.
Where does Myrsine tahuatensis live?
Myrsine tahuatensis 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 tahuatensis?
The main threats to Myrsine tahuatensis 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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