Why Do Orchids In The Philippines Face Extinction?

Mount Apo, the highest mountain in the Philippines, is home to a vast array of orchids, including the high-elevation slipper orchid. This orchid is vulnerable to habitat loss due to climate change and deforestation, making it an essential species for conservation efforts. However, the desirability and rarity of this orchid have led to its extinction. All 85 species of the tropical Asian slipper orchid are on the Red List, with 53 endemic to the Philippines and 15 only found on Mindanao island.

The Philippines is home to over 800 species of orchids, many of which are being collected and traded worldwide. However, unabated collection of these endemic species has resulted in significant loss of natural orchids growing in the wild. Major threats include habitat destruction, unsustainable harvesting, and the complex life histories of orchids. In 2005, 143 orchid species in the Philippines were listed as endangered by the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species.

The Orchidaceae family is the most threatened group of plants in the Philippines, but it remains poorly known and understudied. The existence of Philippine orchids in the wild is threatened due to habitat destruction and over collection. In 2008, the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species listed 97 species as threatened, representing approximately 8.1 of the orchid species recorded in the country. Habitat destruction, illegal poaching, land development, and natural calamities, aggravated by climate change, have contributed significantly to the extinction of these species.

To protect endangered species, conservation can be either in-situ (preserving orchids in their native habitats) or ex-situ (preserving them in their native habitats).

What is the world’s largest flower in danger of extinction?

Rafflesia, also known as the corpse flower, is at risk of extinction due to the destruction of forest habitats in south-east Asia. The genus, which includes the largest flowers in the world, has 42 species, with 25 classified as critically endangered and 15 as endangered. A new study published in the journal Plants, People, Planet, warns that more than two-thirds of these plants are not being protected by current conservation strategies. The genus, which includes the largest flowers in the world, is the largest flower in the world, at over a metre across.

What is the reason for endangerment of Rafflesia?

Rafflesia species, with their restricted distributions, are at risk of habitat destruction due to their limited populations in unprotected areas. The limited success of propagating Rafflesia in botanic gardens has made habitat conservation an urgent priority. Researchers recommend adding all Rafflesia species to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, with only one currently listed: Rafflesia magnifica. A four-point action plan for governments, research centers, and conservation organizations is proposed.

Is orchid native to the Philippines?

The Philippines is home to 1, 100 distinct species of orchid, with 900 of these being endemic to the country. These species are renowned for the vibrant hues and aesthetic appeal of their floral displays. The Philippine national flower, Vanda sanderiana, is endemic to the country and is exclusively found on the island of Mindanao. Other endemic species include Acanthophippium mantinianum and Acanthophippium sylhetense.

What could save orchids from extinction?

Orchids and cacti are at risk of extinction due to over-collection and habitat loss. Efficient propagation techniques are needed to prevent their disappearance. ScienceDirect uses cookies and acknowledges the use of them. Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B. V., its licensors, and contributors. All rights reserved, including text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies. Creative Commons licensing terms apply for open access content.

What are the most endangered plants in the Philippines?

The Kris plant (Pandanus odoratissimus), Apitong tree (Dipterocarpus tuberculatus), Dalingdingan tree (Ficus pumila), and Dayungon tree (Ficus urophyllus) are indigenous Philippine flora species facing extinction due to the loss of their natural habitats and the overexploitation of their wood and other products.

What is the rarest orchid in the Philippines?

Grammatophyllum martae is a rare, warm-growing orchid species endemic to the Philippines.

Why are orchids endangered?

Orchids are among the most threatened plants globally due to habitat destruction and collection from natural habitats. In North America, over 60% of the 210 known species are threatened or endangered, with some species being extirpated. The Orchidaceae family is crucial for economic and horticultural purposes, but their genetic diversity is not as similar to native species. Orchids are ecologically interesting, as they have evolved to gain resources by digesting fungi.

Successful conservation efforts must consider both the fungi and orchids. The North American Orchid Conservation Center is the only continental-scale organization dedicated to conserving orchids through an ecosystem approach, focusing on understanding the interactions between orchids and their mycorrhizal fungi.

Why Rafflesia is endangered in the Philippines?

Rafflesia, a rainforest plant, is facing extinction due to habitat loss and poaching for medicinal purposes. The plant cannot grow in captivity and pollination is rare due to its male or female flowers. A fly must land on a male flower to avoid being eaten and transport pollen to a female flower. The fruit, a 5-inch diameter berry, is enjoyed by squirrels and birds, aiding in seed dispersal.

Which country has the most species of orchids?

South America is the continent with the greatest diversity of orchids in the world, with over 300 genera and 12, 000 species. Ecuador and Colombia are noteworthy for their high orchid density per square meter, which contributes to their status as the most diverse countries in the region.

What is the #1 most endangered plant?

The Western Underground Orchid (Dactylorhiza viridis), Wood’s Cycad (Cycas woodii), Pennantia Baylisiana, Cabbage Tree Palm (Sabicea lanceolata), Rafflesia Arnoldii, Encephalartos Woodii, Rothschild’s Slipper Orchid (Cymbidium rothschildianum), Kokia Cookei, Hibiscadelphus Woodii, and Franklinia Alatamaha are among the top ten most endangered plant species globally. These species are facing significant threats from human activities, habitat loss, and the loss of their natural habitats.

What are the top 10 endangered species in the Philippines?

The Philippine Eagle, Hawksbill Sea Turtle, Philippine Freshwater Crocodile, Tamaraw, Philippine Tarsier, Mindoro Bleeding-heart, Red-vented Cockatoo, Philippine Forest Turtle, Philippine Naked-backed Fruit Bat, Rufous-headed Hornbill, Visayan Warty Pig, and Philippine mouse are among the major endangered species. These species are endemic only to the Philippines and are often hunted by relentless hunters. The Philippine Crocodile, a prized catch and expensive material for fashion accessories, is one such species.

The Mindoro Bleeding-heart, a type of ground dove with red markings on its chest, is also fighting for its existence. Most of its natural habitat has been cleared, and most, if not all, of the primary forests of Mindoro have been cleared. The Philippine Eagle, Hawksbill Sea Turtle, and other species are all at risk of extinction due to human activities.

In conclusion, the Philippine Eagle, Hawksbill Sea Turtle, Philippine Freshwater Crocodile, Tamaraw, Philippine Tarsier, Mindoro Bleeding-heart, Red-vented Cockatoo, Philippine Forest Turtle, Philippine Naked-backed Fruit Bat, Rufous-headed Hornbill, Visayan Warty Pig, and other endangered species are all at risk of extinction due to human activities.