EN

Scaevola marquesensis

Declining

Overview

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

Scaevola marquesensis faces severe threats from invasive plant species that outcompete native vegetation and alter ecosystem dynamics across its limited range in the Marquesas Islands. Habitat degradation from introduced ungulates, particularly goats and pigs, has damaged the coastal and lowland forest environments where this endemic shrub naturally occurs. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes it highly vulnerable to stochastic events and climate change impacts, including altered precipitation patterns and increased storm intensity.

Threat summary

Habitat

Scaevola marquesensis inhabits coastal areas and lowland dry forests of the Marquesas Islands, typically growing on rocky slopes and cliff faces at elevations up to 300 meters. The species is adapted to the archipelago's tropical oceanic climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.

Other threatened species in GOODENIACEAE

CR

Scaevola hobdyi

Unknown
VU

Scaevola chanii

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Scaevola verticillata

Stable
VU

Scaevola procera

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Scaevola marquesensis classified as Endangered?
Scaevola marquesensis 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. Scaevola marquesensis faces severe threats from invasive plant species that outcompete native vegetation and alter ecosystem dynamics across its limited range in the Marquesas Islands. Habitat degradation from introduced ungulates, particularly goats and pigs, has damaged the coastal and lowland forest environments where this endemic shrub naturally occurs. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes it highly vulnerable to stochastic events and climate change impacts, including altered precipitation patterns and increased storm intensity.
Where does Scaevola marquesensis live?
Scaevola marquesensis 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 Scaevola marquesensis?
The main threats to Scaevola marquesensis 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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