Plectrelminthus caudatus (Lindl.) Summer.

Orchidaceae family is represented by epiphytic and terrestrial orchids with different development strategies. These orchids are important to the local population for various needs (mainly food and medicine). However, harvesting of host trees for timber has deteriorated the natural habitat of epiphytic orchids, while the increasing forest fire intensities has degraded the natural stands of terrestrial orchids. Moreover, the current deforestation and habitat fragmentation caused by agricultural expansion in the PBR are proved to affect both epiphytic and terrestrial orchids. Looking at these traits, there is an urgent need to develop appropriate educational resource management approaches to sustain viable orchid populations. To have indication on what options there are for better resource management strategies, this first level of the project will assess the terrestrial and epiphytic orchid diversity and habitat characteristics in the vegetation communities both in protected areas and its adjacent areas where local populations exert pressure through different types of resource use. We will investigate what orchid species they use, for what purpose and how they are affected. This project will provide a unique opportunity to local population during farmer’s school to be involved in the understanding of the orchid population status. The collection of field data will generate an overview of the importance both of epiphytic and terrestrial orchids (diversity, socio-economical importance) and threat to population in protected area compared to land use. Education activities through popular talks, poster presentations and brochures on orchids in local language will aware local community to better conserve orchids for sustainable use. The youth and the women folk will be the focus of this awareness campaign.

The project would target the women for conservation awareness so that they refrain from collecting some species there by making a major contribution to conservation of orchids and their hosts. A sensitization on deforestation and habitat fragmentation effect on orchid species will raise the attention of local communities on the sensitivity of some orchids. Therefore, local communities, conservation practitioners, policy makers and scientists will present a united front against biodiversity lost in Benin. Furthermore two articles will be written on:

(i) Diversity and local value of Orchids species in Sudanian zone of Benin;

(ii) Modeling Orchids declines and extinction risk under anthropogenic activities. Two oral communications will be given at national (National day of Protected Areas) and international conference.