CR

Nothomyrcia fernandeziana

Declining

Overview

Nothomyrcia is a genus in the family Myrtaceae, the myrtle family. It is a monotypic taxon, with Nothomyrcia fernandeziana as the sole species in the genus. Nothomyrcia fernandeziana is a tree endemic to Robinson Crusoe Island in the Juan Fernández Islands of Chile.

Nothomyrcia fernandeziana faces severe threats from invasive plant species that outcompete native vegetation and alter forest structure on Juan Fernández Islands. Habitat degradation from introduced herbivores, particularly goats and rabbits, has severely impacted the understory where this endemic myrtle depends. The species' extremely limited range makes it vulnerable to stochastic events, while climate change poses additional risks to the island's unique montane forest ecosystem.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic myrtle inhabits the montane forests of Juan Fernández Islands, typically found in humid native woodland between 400-600 meters elevation. It grows in association with other endemic plants in the islands' unique temperate rainforest ecosystem.

Forest· majorForest - Subtropical/tropical moist montane· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protection

Other threatened species in MYRTACEAE

VU

Myrcia carioca

Declining
CR

Myrcia solitaria

Declining
EN

Plinia caricensis

Declining
EN

Myrciaria pallida

Declining

Threatened in Chile

VU

Juan Fernandez Petrel

Pterodroma externa

Stable
VU

Black Petrel

Procellaria parkinsoni

Stable
VU

Chimney Swift

Chaetura pelagica

Declining
VU

Pink-footed Shearwater

Ardenna creatopus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Nothomyrcia fernandeziana classified as Critically Endangered?
Nothomyrcia fernandeziana 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. Nothomyrcia fernandeziana faces severe threats from invasive plant species that outcompete native vegetation and alter forest structure on Juan Fernández Islands. Habitat degradation from introduced herbivores, particularly goats and rabbits, has severely impacted the understory where this endemic myrtle depends. The species' extremely limited range makes it vulnerable to stochastic events, while climate change poses additional risks to the island's unique montane forest ecosystem.
Where does Nothomyrcia fernandeziana live?
Nothomyrcia fernandeziana occurs in Chile. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Nothomyrcia fernandeziana?
The main threats to Nothomyrcia fernandeziana are 2.3, 5.3, 8.1, and ai-1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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