Pacific Lacefern
CR

Pacific Lacefern

Ctenitis squamigera

Unknown

Photo: (c) Kenneth R. Wood (NTBG), some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Kenneth R. Wood (NTBG)

Overview

Ctenitis squamigera, commonly known as the Pacific lacefern or pauoa, is a critically endangered species of fern found only on the islands of Hawaii. In 2003 there were at least 183 individuals remaining, divided among 23 populations. Several populations consist of only one to four plants.

Ctenitis squamigera faces severe threats from deforestation and habitat conversion in its limited montane forest range. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, while agricultural expansion and logging activities continue to fragment its remaining habitat. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the specific temperature and humidity conditions required by this specialized fern.

Threat summary

Habitat

This critically endangered fern inhabits humid montane forests, typically growing in shaded understory conditions with high moisture levels. It requires specific microclimate conditions found in undisturbed tropical mountain forests at moderate to high elevations.

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies managementSpecies recoveryAwareness & communications

Other threatened species in DRYOPTERIDACEAE

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Madeira Holly Fern

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EN

Dryopteris amblyodonta

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Elaphoglossum beddomei

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Polystichum kenwoodii

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Pacific Lacefern classified as Critically Endangered?
Pacific Lacefern 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. Ctenitis squamigera faces severe threats from deforestation and habitat conversion in its limited montane forest range. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, while agricultural expansion and logging activities continue to fragment its remaining habitat. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the specific temperature and humidity conditions required by this specialized fern.
Where does Pacific Lacefern live?
Pacific Lacefern 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 Pacific Lacefern?
The main threats to Pacific Lacefern are 12.1, 5.3, 7.1, and 8.1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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