scholarly journals Orchid conservation: the next ten years

Author(s):  
Philip Seaton ◽  
Jonathan P. Kendon ◽  
Hugh W. Pritchard ◽  
Dwi Murti Puspitaningtyas ◽  
Tim R. Marks

In 1996 the IUCN/SSC Orchid Specialist Group published a Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan that included a number of recommendations designed to address the problem of a projected imminent and rapid decline of species. Orchids remain subject to a multiplicity of threats in their natural habitats and, in addition to the usual suspects of habitat loss and land conversion, climate change has exerted a measurable effect on some orchid populations. Collection of orchids for traditional medicine is having a significant effect both within China and surrounding countries. Some progress has been made in achieving the targets set for Red Listing of endangered species in some countries, but other countries are lagging behind. In addition to successful initiatives in preserving natural habitats, a number of projects around the world have demonstrated that it is possible both to bring endangered species into cultivation and successfully reintroduce them into the wild. Orchid Seed Stores for Sustainable Use, with its goal of storing seeds representing a minimum of 1000 orchid species in institutes in at least 30 countries over the next five years, provides an example of what can be achieved by a small, dedicated group determined to share their technical expertise and develop a deeper understanding of the underlying science. There is, however, also an urgent need to promote awareness in the wider community about the importance of all sorts of biodiversity (not only orchids) through educational programs and involve people from as wide a range of backgrounds as possible.

2006 ◽  
Vol 54 (4) ◽  
pp. 383 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Scade ◽  
M. C. Brundrett ◽  
A. L. Batty ◽  
K. W. Dixon ◽  
K. Sivasithamparam

The conservation of wild orchid populations may depend on the establishment of propagated orchids to field sites to help sustain depleted populations if natural recruitment is not successful. However, very little is known about biotic factors which influence the establishment of terrestrial orchid seedlings in natural habitats. An experiment was established to measure the survival of six orchid species during their first growing season following transplantation to a West Australian urban bushland with a Banksia and Eucalyptus canopy and understorey dominated either by weeds or native vegetation. Symbiotically germinated orchid seedlings raised in the laboratory for 5 months before planting were established in adjacent field sites with high or low weed cover. There was a gradual mortality of seedlings at field sites throughout the growing season, primarily owing to insect grazing, and this was not affected by the enclosure of seedlings by wire mesh or shade cloth. Overall rates of survival varied from 49% for Microtis media R.Br., a species capable of growing in disturbed habitats, to 21% for Caladenia arenicola Hopper & A.P.Brown, the most common native orchid at these sites. However, not all surviving seedlings produced a tuber, so their expected rate of survival after the next dry season was reduced further. The factors having the greatest impact on seedling survival were site aspect (slope and canopy cover), weed cover and orchid species respectively. Orchid seedling survival was not well correlated with the presence of existing orchids of the same species at the same sites or the presence of compatible fungi in soil at these sites (simultaneously measured by orchid seed baiting).


HortScience ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 447D-447
Author(s):  
Thomas W. Zimmerman ◽  
Jacqueline Kowalski

The Sandy Point Orchid (Psychilis macconelliae) is listed as an endangered orchid species by the U.S. Virgin Islands Dept. of Planning and Natural Resources. This orchid grows naturally on the southern dry and wind-swept slopes found on the east-end of St. Croix. It can be found growing among cacti and bromeliads. Due to disturbance to the native habitat from land development, private collectors, and natural disasters, the population has diminished. Tissue culture is being successfully used in a conservation effort for this endangered species. Maturing seed pods were collected and surface disinfested and established in vitro. The medium consisted of one half Murashige & Skoog salts, Nitsch & Nitsch vitamins, 20 g/L sucrose, 2 g/L soy peptone, 5 g/L activated charcoal and 8 g/L agar. Seeds were spread on the medium in 15 × 100-mm petri plates and grown at 25 °C under a 16-h photoperiod. Seed germination occurred within 2 months with the development of protocorms. Leaves and roots developed by 5 months, at which time they were separated and transferred to fresh medium. At 8 months, they were established in a greenhouse and released back into their environment within 12 months. In vitro germination of the Sandy Point Orchid seed is an effective way of conserving this endangered species.


Lankesteriana ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jazmin M. Salazar ◽  
Marisol Pomavilla ◽  
Anne T. Pollard ◽  
Eduardo J. Chica ◽  
Denisse F. Peña

Orchids are known to establish complex relationships with endophytic fungi throughout their life cycle, and particularly during germination of their reserves-deprived seeds. Characterizing generalist or specialist interactions between orchids and associated fungi is key to supporting orchid conservation efforts. Here, endophytic fungi associated with roots of epiphytic orchids were studied in two montane Andean forests in Southern Ecuador. Orchid root samples were collected from ten ~500 m2 plots distributed between two neighboring forests. Endophytic fungi associated with these roots were then isolated, cultured, and identified by sequencing of rDNA markers. In total, 52 pure isolates were recovered from the roots of 10 orchid species. These isolates were classified into nine taxonomic groups except for one isolate that remained unclassified. Most fungal isolates were found in roots of up to two different orchid species; however, Coprinellus radians was found in the roots of all sampled orchids. The potential of C. radians to promote germination of orchid seeds was tested in a separate assay using seeds from two orchid species different than those found in the experimental forest plots. Of the two C. radians isolates tested, one improved germination in the two orchids evaluated to a level about half of that observed in seeds germinated in nutrient-rich medium (Phytamax) and above the null germination observed in plates without the fungus. Together, these results revealed a generalist relationship between C. radians and all the studied epiphytic orchids and the potential role of this fungus as a promoter of orchid seed germination. Key Words: Agaricales, Epidendrum, symbiotic germination


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Purnima Devi Barman ◽  
D. K. Sharma

AbstractThe endangered Greater Adjutant Stok Leptotilus dubius Gemlin confined only in some pockets in Assam and Bihar in India and in certain areas of Laos and Cambodia has poorly understood in its foraging activities in its natural habitats. Attempt has been made to address the forage pattern in its natural habitat wetlands in the Kamup district and in a city garbage dump in Guwahati in Assam, India. The various forage methods like walking, visual tactile etc and their relation with the body metrices like beak length, tibia tarsus length and its mass were assessed in terms of foraging habits. Forage actvities were evaluated during the breeding (May to September) and non breeding (October to April) time of the study period of 2012-2017 at different water level of the wetland(s). The foraging range of this stork assessed at an confinement of aerial distance of 15 km from the nesting sites appears as resident non migratory birds by habits. Types of diet composition obtained from the regurgitated food at the ground of the nesting sites were mostly the fish group channa and cyprinids. Profitability index was determined at the captive stork showed in favour of these two groups within the size group of 5 to 15 cm. Larger food item showed lesser profitability index. PCA analysis showed negative foraging correlation with the Prey size greater than 8cm and 15 cm, while the captivity study was conducted Thus the present findings on the foraging assessment of Greater Adjutant might be the baseline information for conservation action plan.


2008 ◽  
Vol 68 (4 suppl) ◽  
pp. 957-966 ◽  
Author(s):  
CJR. Alho

Seasonal flooding is the most important ecological phenomenon in the Pantanal. Every year many parts of the biome change from terrestrial into aquatic habitats and vice-versa. The degree of inundation creates a range of major habitats. Flooding occupies about 80% of the whole Pantanal. In contrast, during the dry season, most of the flooded areas stay dry, when the water returns to the river beds or evaporates. The Pantanal is a large continental savanna wetland (147,574 km² in Brazil), touching Bolivia to the north and Paraguay to the south. The maze of fluctuating water levels, nutrients, and biota forms a dynamic ecosystem. The vegetation comprises 1,863 phanerogam plant species listed for the floodplain and 3,400 for the whole basin and 250 species of aquatic plants. The complex vegetation cover and seasonal productivity support a diverse and abundant fauna within the floodplain: 263 species of fish, 41 of amphibians, 113 of reptiles (177 for the basin), 463 of birds and 132 mammal species. Many endangered species occur, including jaguar (Panthera onca Linnaeus, 1758). Waterfowl are exceptionally abundant during the dry season. Analysis of the root causes of the threats to biodiversity indicated that deforestation (17% of the Pantanal and 63% of the surrounding uplands) with modification and loss of natural habitats due to cattle ranching, unsustainable agriculture, mining, environmental contamination (including mercury, pesticides, urban sewage), non organized tourism, fire, disturbances at the upstream region modifying hydrological flow, erosion, weak implementation and enforcement of legislation are the major issues to face conservation action and sustainable use. Under an evolutionary focus, local biodiversity seems to be well adapted to seasonal shrinking and expansion of natural habitats due to flooding. However, the conversion of natural vegetation due to human occupation is a real threat to biodiversity.


Author(s):  
Naif Adel Haddad ◽  
Leen Adeeb Fakhoury

Tal (mount) Irbid in Irbid city, Jordan, with its continuous human occupation from the Bronze Age until the present, demonstrates the main landmark that has guided the spread of the urban growth of the city. The outcome of studies carried out at Irbid’s historic core, in relation to assessing the loss and degradation of the core’s cultural heritage, shall be analyzed, investigated, and discussed, as also concerns, obstacles, and issues of sustainability to this urban heritage conservation and tourism planning. The paper starts by defining the urban heritage for the historic core, which tends to be set aside, in the city’s rapid development. Actually, the remaining historic buildings can also provide the necessary inter-relationships between the historic core areas and the wider urban context to achieve a sustainable and integrated tourism and conservation action plan for the three heritage neighborhoods around the Tal, while building on tourism opportunities and taking into consideration the needs and the vital role of the local community. The paper concludes that urban heritage conservation and protection of the integrity and identity of the historic core city fabric can assist in its branding, promotion, and management in ways that could enhance the local community belonging, quality of everyday lifestyle, and visitors' experience. 


Land ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 774
Author(s):  
Hyun-Jung Hong ◽  
Choong-Ki Kim ◽  
Hyun-Woo Lee ◽  
Woo-Kyun Lee

Biodiversity loss is progressing despite biodiversity being essential for human survival, prosperity, and well-being. Conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of the habitat, given that its change is the most prominent factor causing the deterioration of biodiversity, represents a highly effective way of securing biodiversity. Therefore, we assessed and monitored habitat quality as a proxy for biodiversity with habitat quantity in Jeju Island, South Korea. We used an InVEST model with data on the habitat type, suitability, sensitivity, accessibility, and threat factors. Natural habitats throughout Jeju had rapidly decreased in area by 24.9% from 1989 to 2019, and this change contributed to the degradation of habitat quality by 15.8%. We provided significant evidence on the critical degradation of habitat for a long period of over 30 years and highlighted the urgent need for policies and behaviors that enhance biodiversity. We proposed appropriate strategies to prompt people to conserve better, restore effectively, and use biodiversity sustainably. We expect that our findings will provide scientific and evidence-based guidance for policy-making on biodiversity enhancement and will further support achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and Aichi Biodiversity Targets, in addition to compliance with the New Deal for Nature and People.


2003 ◽  
Vol 112 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 291-297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline M Gelderblom ◽  
Brian W van Wilgen ◽  
Jeanne L Nel ◽  
Trevor Sandwith ◽  
Mark Botha ◽  
...  

Social Change ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 33 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 204-221
Author(s):  
Ghazala Shahabuddin

During the last few decades, there has been a growing realisation that biodiversity conservation cannot be successful without the active involvement of the people living close to and dependent on natural ecosystems for their survival and livelihoods. Consequently, there has been a gradual broadening of the global conservation agenda from strict nature protection to include the sustainable use of natural resources, which is now reflected in governmental policy the world over. However, as conservationists strive today towards the harmonisation of people's needs with biodiversity conservation, one of the most elusive, yet critical, goals for them has been the sustainable extraction of plant resources from the wild. Hundreds of plant species continue to be extracted from natural habitats for use as food, medicine, fuel and fodder in households and for commercial sale, both legally and illegally. As a consequence of unmonitored extraction and over-exploitation, many plant species populations are reported to be declining in the wild. In the face of increasing pressure on forest resources, it has become more important than ever before to devise quantitative management policies for sustainable plant use so that both forests and the livelihoods of millions of rural people who are dependent on them, can be sustained. One of the major stumbling blocks for conservationists in developing countries, who are attempting to design and implement sustainable forest management systems, is the lack of information on the state-of-the-art in this field, especially that relating to field methods, data analysis, data recording and monitoring systems. In order to fill this lacuna, a comprehensive bibliography of studies undertaken so far in the science of sustainable use from terrestrial ecosystems is presented here. The scope of this bibliography includes sustainable


2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (12) ◽  
pp. 110-123
Author(s):  
Amrit Patel

World has been observing 5th December since 2012 as the World Soil Day to ensure maintenance of soil health, This was complimented by the United Nations’ General Assembly declaring 2015, as the International Year of Soils to create awareness among all stakeholders and promote more sustainable use of soil being the critical resource. On this occasion, UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon had said that without healthy soils life on Earth would be unsustainable. Indeed, soils are the foundation of agriculture. He had urged all Governments to pledge to do more to protect this important yet forgotten resource. A healthy life is not possible without healthy soils. According to the Director General of the FAO, Jose Graziano da Silva, today, world has more than 805 million people facing hunger and malnutrition. Soils are under increased pressure because population growth will require an approximately increase of 60 per cent in food output and competing land uses.Unfortunately, 33 per cent of our global soil resources are under degradation and human pressures on soils are reaching critical limits, reducing and sometimes eliminating essential soil functions. He had emphasised the role of all stakeholders in promoting the cause of soils as it is important for paving the road towards a real sustainable development for all and by all. Against this background, this article briefly highlights the significance and aspects of soil health management in India and suggests aspects of strategic action plan to conserve this precious resource for the benefit of mankind.


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