Model built for conservation of rare orchids
Scientists have successfully built a model for conserving and developing two endangered orchid species in Vietnam, expected to contribute to biodiversity conservation.
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| Some “lan hai chai” (Paphiopedilum callosum (Rchb.f.) Stein) orchids found in the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak. (Source: nhandan.vn) |
The project on investigating, assessing, and proposing technical processes for conserving and building a conservation and development model for “lan hai chai” (Paphiopedilum callosum (Rchb.f.) Stein) and “lan hai dai cuon” (Paphiopedilum appletonianum (Gower) Rolfe) was carried out by scientists from the Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources (IEBR) under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology.
Leading the study, Assoc. Prof. Dr Nguyen Van Sinh from the IEBR said the two species are found in the central provinces of Quang Tri, Thua Thien - Hue and Quang Nam, Da Nang city and the Central Highlands. However, they have completely disappeared in Thua Thien - Hue.
“Lan hai” (Paphiopedilum) is one of the orchid genera indigenous to deep forests and high mountains of Vietnam where the vegetation remains almost intact and unaffected by human activity. Therefore, the study of these two orchids is scientifically and practically critical to devising measures for protecting rare species on the verge of extinction, he noted.
Through the study, scientists managed to add important information about the species’ distribution areas, light requirements, soil conditions, the microorganism composition of the soil where they grow, as well as parasites to serve conservation efforts.
Sinh went on to say that apart from the conservation model, scientists have developed a set of data about the biological and ecological characteristics and status of the two species. They also proposed regulations and technical processes for preserving and developing the orchids.
In particular, a handbook detailing cultivation, caring, and conservation techniques was compiled. It is the first of its kind to provide all-round information about the conservation of “lan hai chai” and “lan hai dai cuon” in Vietnam.
For the first time, these species are grown from seeds for the purpose of conservation. This is also the first time the groups of main molds, fungi, bacteria, and organisms parasitising “lan hai dai cuon” have been identified.
The study’s findings are useful for the conservation and development of these two threatened orchids, according to Sinh.
Both “lan hai chai” and “lan hai dai cuon” are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In Vietnam, they are also named on the list of wild flora threatened with extinction.
(Source: VNA)
