VU

Polystichum uahukaense

Unknown

Overview

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

Polystichum uahukaense faces severe pressure from invasive plant species that outcompete native vegetation in its limited montane forest habitat. Habitat degradation from feral ungulates, particularly pigs and goats, damages the forest understory where this fern establishes. Climate change poses an additional threat as warming temperatures may force this cool-adapted species to retreat to increasingly restricted high-elevation refugia.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic fern inhabits montane wet forests and cloud forests on the island of Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas Islands, typically growing in shaded understory conditions at elevations between 800-1,200 meters. It establishes in rocky crevices and on moss-covered surfaces within these cool, humid forest environments.

Other threatened species in DRYOPTERIDACEAE

VU

Madeira Holly Fern

Arachniodes webbiana

Stable
EN

Dryopteris amblyodonta

Unknown
EN

Elaphoglossum beddomei

Declining
EN

Polystichum kenwoodii

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Polystichum uahukaense classified as Vulnerable?
Polystichum uahukaense 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. Polystichum uahukaense faces severe pressure from invasive plant species that outcompete native vegetation in its limited montane forest habitat. Habitat degradation from feral ungulates, particularly pigs and goats, damages the forest understory where this fern establishes. Climate change poses an additional threat as warming temperatures may force this cool-adapted species to retreat to increasingly restricted high-elevation refugia.
Where does Polystichum uahukaense live?
Polystichum uahukaense 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 Polystichum uahukaense?
The main threats to Polystichum uahukaense 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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