CR

Cyphosperma tanga

Declining

Overview

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

Cyphosperma tanga faces severe threats from habitat destruction as coastal development and agricultural expansion eliminate its native forest habitat on Tanga Island. The species' extremely restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, while invasive plant species compete for resources in its limited remaining habitat. Climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns and potential sea-level rise affecting coastal forest ecosystems.

Threat summary

Habitat

This critically endangered palm is endemic to the coastal forests of Tanga Island in Vanuatu, where it grows in lowland tropical rainforest environments. The species requires the specific microclimate conditions found in these island forest ecosystems, typically occurring in areas with high humidity and well-drained soils.

Forest· majorForest - Subtropical/tropical moist lowland· majorRocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies recoveryEx-situ conservationAwareness & communications

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Cyphosperma tanga classified as Critically Endangered?
Cyphosperma tanga 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. Cyphosperma tanga faces severe threats from habitat destruction as coastal development and agricultural expansion eliminate its native forest habitat on Tanga Island. The species' extremely restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, while invasive plant species compete for resources in its limited remaining habitat. Climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns and potential sea-level rise affecting coastal forest ecosystems.
Where does Cyphosperma tanga live?
Cyphosperma tanga occurs in Fiji. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Cyphosperma tanga?
The main threats to Cyphosperma tanga are 2.1, 5.3, ai-1, and ai-2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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