Paphiopedilum druryi
CR

Paphiopedilum druryi

Local name: Drury’s Paphiopedilum

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 druryi faces severe population decline due to overcollection for the international orchid trade, where its distinctive slipper-shaped flowers command high prices among collectors. Habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and infrastructure development in its limited range has further fragmented remaining populations. The species' extremely slow growth rate and specialized pollination requirements make recovery particularly challenging once populations are depleted.

Threat summary

Habitat

This terrestrial orchid inhabits shaded limestone cliffs and rocky outcrops in tropical montane forests at elevations between 300-1200 meters. It requires well-drained, alkaline soils with high humidity and filtered sunlight beneath the forest canopy.

Grassland· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies recoverySpecies reintroductionEx-situ conservationAwareness & communicationsLegislationCompliance and enforcementLinked enterprises & livelihood alternatives

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Drury’s Paphiopedilum classified as Critically Endangered?
Drury’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 druryi faces severe population decline due to overcollection for the international orchid trade, where its distinctive slipper-shaped flowers command high prices among collectors. Habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and infrastructure development in its limited range has further fragmented remaining populations. The species' extremely slow growth rate and specialized pollination requirements make recovery particularly challenging once populations are depleted.
Where does Drury’s Paphiopedilum live?
Drury’s Paphiopedilum occurs in India. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Drury’s Paphiopedilum?
The main threats to Drury’s Paphiopedilum are 10.3, 11.1, 5.3, and 5.4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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