CR

Phyllanthus aoraiensis

Unknown

Overview

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

Phyllanthus aoraiensis faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to urban development and agricultural expansion on Tahiti. The species' extremely limited range makes it particularly vulnerable to invasive plant species that compete for resources and alter the native ecosystem structure. Climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns and increased storm intensity affecting the fragile montane habitats where this endemic shrub persists.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic species is restricted to montane forests and shrublands on the island of Tahiti in French Polynesia, typically occurring at elevations between 800-1,500 meters. It grows in humid, cloud-affected environments with rich volcanic soils and dense canopy cover.

Other threatened species in PHYLLANTHACEAE

EN

Phyllanthus deciduiramus

Declining
EN

Phyllanthus dumbeaensis

Declining
EN

Meineckia stipularis

Unknown
VU

Phyllanthus platycalyx

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Phyllanthus aoraiensis classified as Critically Endangered?
Phyllanthus aoraiensis 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. Phyllanthus aoraiensis faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to urban development and agricultural expansion on Tahiti. The species' extremely limited range makes it particularly vulnerable to invasive plant species that compete for resources and alter the native ecosystem structure. Climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns and increased storm intensity affecting the fragile montane habitats where this endemic shrub persists.
Where does Phyllanthus aoraiensis live?
Phyllanthus aoraiensis 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 Phyllanthus aoraiensis?
The main threats to Phyllanthus aoraiensis 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.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.