Distribution Ecology and Conservation Status of Threatened Paphiopedilum fairrieanum in Ngala, Zhemgang District, Southern Bhutan

Nima Gyeltshen

My project aims is to study its diversity, ecology, distribution, threats, type of habitat preferred by this species, and people’s perception on the conservation of this orchid species with the ultimate goal to ensure the survival of this critically endangered species in Bhutan

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Paphiopedilum fairrieanum is classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).The proposed project area caters important habitat for Paphiopedilum fairrieanum but no study has been carried out to determine its distribution, diversity, ecology, conservation status and anthropogenic threats of the species in the study area. Flowering and fruiting season of the species will also be studied.

Since the study on this species is currently lacking, its status on the habitat, distribution, ecology, diversity and anthropological threats of the species has not been explored in Bhutan. Such information is important for the management intervention, not just concern for the country but also a concern to IUCN who encourage ecologist to conduct research to clarify its diversity, distribution and status which in turn build up the management of scientific data .It has been very urgent to monitor and study the conservation status of this orchid species as a lot of farm and feeder road has been coming up in the study area. Furthermore, communities residing in these area entirely depends on the nearby forest for fire wood, timber, fodder and Non Wood Forest Products causing threat to Paphiopedilum fairrieanum and its habitat.

The study proposed aims to study its diversity, ecology, distribution, habitat, threats and people’s perception on the conservation of this orchid species with the ultimate goal to ensure the survival of this critically endangered species in Bhutan. Through this project, I will be trying to advertise the need for Paphiopedilum fairrieanum conservation to rest of the conservationist, policy makes and public at large.

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