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Orchid conservation and research: An analysis of gaps and priorities for globally Red Listed species

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Abstract

Orchids are among the most threatened taxa globally due to increasing anthropogenic threats, inherent rarity and specific conservation needs. But what are the global research and conservation priorities for this charismatic group of plants? Using information for 595 orchids on the IUCN Red List, we reviewed past research and identified key research and conservation priorities. These included understanding threats, monitoring orchid populations and habitats, species management in ex situ conservation, genome resource banks and artificial propagation, land and habitat protection and education and awareness through communication. Based on the available data, we recommend future orchid conservation and research should focus on the current gaps in knowledge and practice including monitoring population trends and distributions, ecology, threats, protection and management of species and their habitats and increasing education and awareness.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Professor Charles Lawson for editing this manuscript. We also kindly thank the anonymous reviewers and editors for their comments which greatly improved the manuscript.

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  1. Griffith School of Environment, Environmental Futures Research Institute, Griffith University, Parklands Drive, Southport, Gold Coast, QLD, 4222, Australia

    Jenna Wraith, Patrick Norman & Catherine Pickering

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  1. Jenna Wraith
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Correspondence to Jenna Wraith.

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Wraith, J., Norman, P. & Pickering, C. Orchid conservation and research: An analysis of gaps and priorities for globally Red Listed species. Ambio 49, 1601–1611 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-019-01306-7

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