Day's Paphiopedilum
CR

Day's Paphiopedilum

Paphiopedilum dayanum

Declining

Photo: Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

Overview

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

Paphiopedilum dayanum faces severe pressure from overcollection for the international orchid trade, where its distinctive slipper-shaped flowers command high prices among collectors. The species' extremely limited range in the limestone karst forests of northern Borneo makes entire populations vulnerable to habitat destruction from quarrying and agricultural expansion. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the precise humidity and temperature conditions required by this epiphytic orchid.

Threat summary

Habitat

This epiphytic orchid grows exclusively in the humid limestone karst forests of northern Borneo, typically found on moss-covered tree trunks and rock faces at elevations between 800-1,500 meters. The species requires the specific microclimate conditions provided by these ancient limestone formations, including consistent moisture levels and filtered sunlight.

Forest· majorForest - Subtropical/tropical moist montane· major

Conservation measures underway

Resource & habitat protectionSpecies recoverySpecies reintroductionEx-situ conservationAwareness & communicationsLegislationLinked enterprises & livelihood alternatives

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Day's Paphiopedilum classified as Critically Endangered?
Day's Paphiopedilum is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Paphiopedilum dayanum faces severe pressure from overcollection for the international orchid trade, where its distinctive slipper-shaped flowers command high prices among collectors. The species' extremely limited range in the limestone karst forests of northern Borneo makes entire populations vulnerable to habitat destruction from quarrying and agricultural expansion. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the precise humidity and temperature conditions required by this epiphytic orchid.
Where does Day's Paphiopedilum live?
Day's Paphiopedilum occurs in China, Indonesia, Malaysia, and United States. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Day's Paphiopedilum?
The main threats to Day's Paphiopedilum are 11.1, 3.2, 5.3, and 5.4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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