EN

Pteris tahuataensis

Declining

Overview

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

Pteris tahuataensis faces severe threats from habitat degradation on its native island of Tahuata in the Marquesas Islands. The species' extremely limited range makes it vulnerable to invasive plant species that compete for resources and alter the native forest understory. Feral ungulates, particularly goats and pigs, trample and destroy the delicate fern populations while degrading the soil structure essential for this species' survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic fern inhabits the humid montane forests of Tahuata Island in the Marquesas archipelago, typically growing in shaded understory conditions on volcanic soils. It requires the specific microclimate conditions found in these isolated Pacific island forests, including consistent moisture and protection from direct sunlight.

Other threatened species in PTERIDACEAE

VU

Vittaria reekmansii

Unknown
EN

Pteris kivuensis

Unknown
CR

Pteris lidgatei

Declining
EN

Actiniopteris kornasii

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Pteris tahuataensis classified as Endangered?
Pteris tahuataensis 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. Pteris tahuataensis faces severe threats from habitat degradation on its native island of Tahuata in the Marquesas Islands. The species' extremely limited range makes it vulnerable to invasive plant species that compete for resources and alter the native forest understory. Feral ungulates, particularly goats and pigs, trample and destroy the delicate fern populations while degrading the soil structure essential for this species' survival.
Where does Pteris tahuataensis live?
Pteris tahuataensis 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 Pteris tahuataensis?
The main threats to Pteris tahuataensis 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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