VU

Oahu Prickly-ash

Zanthoxylum oahuense

Unknown

Overview

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

Zanthoxylum oahuense faces severe population decline due to habitat destruction from urban development and agricultural expansion across its limited Oahu range. Invasive plant species compete aggressively for resources, while feral ungulates damage native forest understory where this endemic Hawaiian tree grows. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats and environmental changes.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Hawaiian tree inhabits mesic to dry forests on the island of Oahu, typically growing in native forest understory and along forest edges at moderate elevations. It occurs in mixed native plant communities that are increasingly fragmented by human development and invasive species encroachment.

Forest - Subtropical/tropical moist lowland· major

Other threatened species in RUTACEAE

CR

Melicope quadrangularis

Declining
VU

Melicope wawraeana

Declining
VU

Vepris drummondii

Declining
VU

Zanthoxylum mildbraedii

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Oahu Prickly-ash classified as Vulnerable?
Oahu Prickly-ash is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Zanthoxylum oahuense faces severe population decline due to habitat destruction from urban development and agricultural expansion across its limited Oahu range. Invasive plant species compete aggressively for resources, while feral ungulates damage native forest understory where this endemic Hawaiian tree grows. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats and environmental changes.
Where does Oahu Prickly-ash live?
Oahu Prickly-ash 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 Oahu Prickly-ash?
The main threats to Oahu Prickly-ash 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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