VU

Oxanthera aurantium

Unknown

Overview

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

Oxanthera aurantium faces significant pressure from habitat degradation in New Caledonia's unique ultramafic ecosystems. Mining activities for nickel extraction pose the most severe threat to remaining populations, as the species is restricted to serpentine soils that contain valuable mineral deposits. Invasive plant species further compromise habitat quality by altering soil chemistry and competing for resources in these specialized environments.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic New Caledonian shrub is restricted to ultramafic soils derived from serpentine rock formations, typically found in maquis shrubland vegetation. It occurs at elevations between 200-800 meters in areas with high concentrations of heavy metals that few other plant species can tolerate.

Other threatened species in RUTACEAE

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Melicope quadrangularis

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Melicope wawraeana

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Zanthoxylum mildbraedii

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Oxanthera aurantium classified as Vulnerable?
Oxanthera aurantium 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. Oxanthera aurantium faces significant pressure from habitat degradation in New Caledonia's unique ultramafic ecosystems. Mining activities for nickel extraction pose the most severe threat to remaining populations, as the species is restricted to serpentine soils that contain valuable mineral deposits. Invasive plant species further compromise habitat quality by altering soil chemistry and competing for resources in these specialized environments.
Where does Oxanthera aurantium live?
Oxanthera aurantium 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 Oxanthera aurantium?
The main threats to Oxanthera aurantium 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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