In 1988, the species was classified as extinct by the IUCN.[3] However, extant populations have since been documented in several localities on Nuku Hiva, and it is now considered Critically Endangered instead.[4][5]
^Martin, N.J.; Ferreiro, S.F.; Barbault, F.; Nicolas, M.; Lecellier, G.; Paetz, C.; Gaysinski, M.; Alonso, E.; Thomas, O.P.; Botana, L.M.; Raharivelomanana, P. (2015). "Indole alkaloids from the Marquesan plant Rauvolfia nukuhivensis and their effects on ion channels". Phytochemistry. 109: 84–95. doi:10.1016/j.phytochem.2014.10.026. PMID25468537.