CR

Phyllostegia tahitensis

Unknown

Overview

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

Phyllostegia tahitensis faces severe threats from invasive plant species that outcompete native vegetation and alter ecosystem dynamics in its limited montane habitat. Habitat degradation from feral ungulates, particularly pigs and goats, has damaged the understory vegetation where this endemic mint species grows. Climate change poses an additional threat as warming temperatures may force the species to retreat to higher elevations with increasingly limited suitable habitat.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Hawaiian mint species inhabits mesic to wet montane forests and shrublands, typically found in understory environments at elevations between 600-1,200 meters. It grows in native-dominated plant communities with high moisture levels and filtered sunlight beneath the forest canopy.

Other threatened species in LAMIACEAE

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Hyptidendron claussenii

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Isodon atroruber

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Vitex grandidiana

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Phyllostegia tahitensis classified as Critically Endangered?
Phyllostegia 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. Phyllostegia tahitensis faces severe threats from invasive plant species that outcompete native vegetation and alter ecosystem dynamics in its limited montane habitat. Habitat degradation from feral ungulates, particularly pigs and goats, has damaged the understory vegetation where this endemic mint species grows. Climate change poses an additional threat as warming temperatures may force the species to retreat to higher elevations with increasingly limited suitable habitat.
Where does Phyllostegia tahitensis live?
Phyllostegia tahitensis 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 Phyllostegia tahitensis?
The main threats to Phyllostegia tahitensis 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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