CR

Sophora raivavaeensis

Declining

Overview

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

Sophora raivavaeensis faces severe threats from its extremely restricted range on Raivavae Island in French Polynesia, where the entire population is confined to a single location. The species is critically endangered due to habitat degradation from invasive plant species that compete for resources and alter the native ecosystem structure. Additional pressures include potential impacts from extreme weather events and human activities on the small island, which could rapidly eliminate the remaining individuals.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic leguminous tree occurs in the native forest remnants of Raivavae Island in the Austral Islands of French Polynesia. The species is restricted to elevated areas with native vegetation, where it grows as part of the island's unique montane forest ecosystem.

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Acacia aprica

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Sophora raivavaeensis classified as Critically Endangered?
Sophora raivavaeensis is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Sophora raivavaeensis faces severe threats from its extremely restricted range on Raivavae Island in French Polynesia, where the entire population is confined to a single location. The species is critically endangered due to habitat degradation from invasive plant species that compete for resources and alter the native ecosystem structure. Additional pressures include potential impacts from extreme weather events and human activities on the small island, which could rapidly eliminate the remaining individuals.
Where does Sophora raivavaeensis live?
Sophora raivavaeensis 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 Sophora raivavaeensis?
The main threats to Sophora raivavaeensis 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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