VU

Bartholina etheliae

Unknown

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Bartholina etheliae faces severe pressure from urban expansion and agricultural development across its limited South African range. The species' specialized pollination requirements and narrow habitat preferences make it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation. Invasive alien vegetation competes directly with native fynbos communities that this orchid depends upon, while altered fire regimes disrupt the natural regeneration cycles essential for population maintenance.

Threat summary

Habitat

This terrestrial orchid is endemic to the winter-rainfall fynbos regions of the Western Cape, South Africa, typically growing in sandy soils on coastal flats and lower mountain slopes. It favors well-drained sites within intact fynbos vegetation, particularly areas with natural fire cycles that maintain the open structure required for successful establishment.

Other threatened species in ORCHIDACEAE

EN

Porpax angustifolia

Unknown
EN

Polystachya longiscapa

Unknown
CR

The Lost Spathoglottis

Spathoglottis arunachalensis

Declining
VU

Disperis galerita

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Bartholina etheliae classified as Vulnerable?
Bartholina etheliae is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Bartholina etheliae faces severe pressure from urban expansion and agricultural development across its limited South African range. The species' specialized pollination requirements and narrow habitat preferences make it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation. Invasive alien vegetation competes directly with native fynbos communities that this orchid depends upon, while altered fire regimes disrupt the natural regeneration cycles essential for population maintenance.
Where does Bartholina etheliae live?
Bartholina etheliae occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Bartholina etheliae?
The main threats to Bartholina etheliae are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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