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Pittosporum rapense

Declining

Overview

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

Pittosporum rapense faces severe threats from habitat degradation on its native Rapa Island in French Polynesia. The species is particularly vulnerable to invasive plant species that compete for resources and alter the native ecosystem structure. Grazing by introduced livestock and feral animals has further degraded the limited suitable habitat, while the species' extremely restricted range makes it highly susceptible to stochastic events and environmental changes.

Threat summary

Habitat

Pittosporum rapense is endemic to Rapa Island in the Austral Islands of French Polynesia, where it inhabits montane shrublands and forest margins at higher elevations. The species grows in rocky, well-drained soils on steep slopes and ridges, typically in areas with high humidity and frequent cloud cover.

Other threatened species in PITTOSPORACEAE

VU

Pittosporum croceum

Declining
VU

Pittosporum echinatum

Declining
VU

Pittosporum kaalense

Declining
VU

Pittosporum lanipetalum

Stable

Frequently asked questions

Why is Pittosporum rapense classified as Endangered?
Pittosporum rapense 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. Pittosporum rapense faces severe threats from habitat degradation on its native Rapa Island in French Polynesia. The species is particularly vulnerable to invasive plant species that compete for resources and alter the native ecosystem structure. Grazing by introduced livestock and feral animals has further degraded the limited suitable habitat, while the species' extremely restricted range makes it highly susceptible to stochastic events and environmental changes.
Where does Pittosporum rapense live?
Pittosporum rapense 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 Pittosporum rapense?
The main threats to Pittosporum rapense 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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