Orchid conservation: A global perspective

Abstract

Orchids are one of the most diverse and most widespread families of flowering plants and are one of the few plant families that have a profile that can benefit plant conservation on a broad scale. Orchid conservation, however, is at a crossroads. We understand more about the distribution, rarity, threats and extinction of orchids than ever before, and we have the scientific tools to address many of the problems, yet many species face daily threats including habitat loss and unsustainable exploitation. Many international plant conservation groups, including the Orchid Specialist Group of the IUCN Species Survival Commission, are using orchids as flagship species in the conservation debate. These organisations have a vital role to play in countering the trend of biodiversity loss by promoting effective orchid conservation, improving networking and technology transfer, interacting with decision-makers, and in educating the orchid community.