CR

Ochrosia tahitensis

Declining

Overview

Ochrosia tahitensis is a species of plant in the family Apocynaceae. It is endemic to Tahiti of the Society Islands, in French Polynesia.

Ochrosia tahitensis faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from urban development and agricultural expansion across its limited range in French Polynesia. Invasive plant species compete aggressively with native vegetation, further reducing suitable habitat for this endemic tree. The species' extremely small population size makes it vulnerable to stochastic events and genetic bottlenecks that could drive it to extinction.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic tree species inhabits coastal and lowland forests of Tahiti and other Society Islands in French Polynesia. It typically grows in mixed native forest communities at elevations from sea level to approximately 800 meters.

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies reintroductionEx-situ conservationLegislation

Other threatened species in APOCYNACEAE

EN

Aspidosperma salgadense

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Rauvolfia steyermarkii

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VU

Ceropegia rhynchantha

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VU

Ceropegia loranthiflora

Unknown

Threatened in French Polynesia

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Raiatea Fruit-dove

Ptilinopus chrysogaster

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Pocillopora zelli

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White-winged Petrel

Pterodroma leucoptera

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VU

Black Petrel

Procellaria parkinsoni

Stable

Frequently asked questions

Why is Ochrosia tahitensis classified as Critically Endangered?
Ochrosia tahitensis 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. Ochrosia tahitensis faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from urban development and agricultural expansion across its limited range in French Polynesia. Invasive plant species compete aggressively with native vegetation, further reducing suitable habitat for this endemic tree. The species' extremely small population size makes it vulnerable to stochastic events and genetic bottlenecks that could drive it to extinction.
Where does Ochrosia tahitensis live?
Ochrosia tahitensis occurs in French Polynesia. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Ochrosia tahitensis?
The main threats to Ochrosia tahitensis are 1.1, 2.1, 5.3, and 8.1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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