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Oparanthus coriaceus

Declining

Overview

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

Oparanthus coriaceus faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as French Polynesian coastal and lowland forests are cleared for development and agriculture. The species' extremely limited range on just a few islands makes it particularly vulnerable to introduced invasive plant species that outcompete native vegetation. Climate change poses an additional threat through rising sea levels and altered precipitation patterns affecting the delicate island ecosystems where this endemic plant survives.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic species inhabits coastal forests and lowland areas of French Polynesia, typically growing in native vegetation communities on volcanic soils. It occurs in areas with high humidity and consistent tropical temperatures, often in association with other endemic Pacific island flora.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Oparanthus coriaceus classified as Endangered?
Oparanthus coriaceus 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. Oparanthus coriaceus faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as French Polynesian coastal and lowland forests are cleared for development and agriculture. The species' extremely limited range on just a few islands makes it particularly vulnerable to introduced invasive plant species that outcompete native vegetation. Climate change poses an additional threat through rising sea levels and altered precipitation patterns affecting the delicate island ecosystems where this endemic plant survives.
Where does Oparanthus coriaceus live?
Oparanthus coriaceus 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 Oparanthus coriaceus?
The main threats to Oparanthus coriaceus 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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