EN

Psychotria cookei

Declining

Overview

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

Psychotria cookei faces severe habitat degradation from invasive plant species, particularly aggressive non-native shrubs that outcompete this endemic Hawaiian coffee relative. Urban development and agricultural expansion have fragmented its remaining forest habitat, while feral ungulates damage the understory vegetation critical for its survival. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering precipitation patterns in the montane forests where this species persists.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Hawaiian shrub inhabits mesic to wet montane forests, typically found in the understory of native forest communities at elevations between 300-1,200 meters. It requires well-drained volcanic soils and partial shade provided by the forest canopy.

Other threatened species in RUBIACEAE

EN

Arachnothryx tacanensis

Declining
CR

Arachnothryx tenorioi

Unknown
VU

Aidia abeidii

Unknown
EN

Arachnothryx tuxtlensis

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Psychotria cookei classified as Endangered?
Psychotria cookei 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. Psychotria cookei faces severe habitat degradation from invasive plant species, particularly aggressive non-native shrubs that outcompete this endemic Hawaiian coffee relative. Urban development and agricultural expansion have fragmented its remaining forest habitat, while feral ungulates damage the understory vegetation critical for its survival. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering precipitation patterns in the montane forests where this species persists.
Where does Psychotria cookei live?
Psychotria cookei 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 Psychotria cookei?
The main threats to Psychotria cookei 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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