Threats to Pittosporum patulum
It is likely that Pittosporum patulum has always been a naturally uncommon species in our forests, with a special requirement for disturbance.
However, browsing by introduced mammals has caused the decline of this species and poses a major threat today. Possums in particular appear to target adult plants, causing severe canopy defoliation and death, which is likely to be the reason why so few adults remain in most populations today. Deer and goats also contribute to the decline of this species by browsing saplings and seedlings. Rodents are known to eat Pittosporum patulum seed in the litter beneath adult trees. Browsing insects also have the ability to deform new growth.