Scaevola tahitensis
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Scaevola tahitensis faces severe population decline due to habitat destruction from coastal development and tourism infrastructure expansion across its limited range in French Polynesia. Invasive plant species outcompete this endemic shrub for resources and space in its coastal habitat. Climate change-induced sea level rise and increased storm intensity threaten the low-lying coastal areas where remaining populations persist.
Habitat
This endemic shrub inhabits coastal areas and low-lying shoreline environments in French Polynesia, typically growing in sandy soils and rocky coastal substrates. It occurs in exposed coastal vegetation communities where it must tolerate salt spray and periodic storm disturbance.