EN

Wikstroemia johnplewsii

Declining

Overview

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

Wikstroemia johnplewsii faces severe habitat degradation from urban development and agricultural expansion across its limited range in Hawaii. The species is particularly vulnerable to invasive plant species that outcompete native vegetation and alter soil chemistry. Feral ungulates, especially pigs and goats, cause significant damage through trampling and browsing of remaining populations.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic Hawaiian shrub inhabits dry to mesic forests and shrublands on volcanic slopes, typically at elevations between 300-1,200 meters. It grows in well-drained soils among native plant communities that have become increasingly fragmented.

Other threatened species in THYMELAEACEAE

VU

Gonystylus xylocarpus

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Gonystylus nervosus

Unknown
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Mountain Agarwood

Aquilaria rugosa

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EN

Gyrinops salicifolia

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Wikstroemia johnplewsii classified as Endangered?
Wikstroemia johnplewsii 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. Wikstroemia johnplewsii faces severe habitat degradation from urban development and agricultural expansion across its limited range in Hawaii. The species is particularly vulnerable to invasive plant species that outcompete native vegetation and alter soil chemistry. Feral ungulates, especially pigs and goats, cause significant damage through trampling and browsing of remaining populations.
Where does Wikstroemia johnplewsii live?
Wikstroemia johnplewsii 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 Wikstroemia johnplewsii?
The main threats to Wikstroemia johnplewsii 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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