Excluded Paphiopedilum
CR

Excluded Paphiopedilum

Paphiopedilum exul

Declining

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paphiopedilum_exul

Overview

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

Paphiopedilum exul faces severe threats from overcollection for the international orchid trade, driven by its rarity and distinctive slipper-shaped flowers that make it highly sought after by collectors. Habitat destruction through deforestation and agricultural expansion in its limited range has further reduced available growing sites. The species' extremely restricted distribution and small population size make it particularly vulnerable to local extinctions from even minor disturbances.

Threat summary

Habitat

This terrestrial orchid inhabits montane forests and forest margins at elevations between 1,200-1,800 meters, typically growing in humus-rich soils with good drainage. It favors partially shaded locations under the forest canopy where humidity levels remain consistently high.

Conservation measures underway

Species recoverySpecies reintroductionEx-situ conservationLegislation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Excluded Paphiopedilum classified as Critically Endangered?
Excluded 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 exul faces severe threats from overcollection for the international orchid trade, driven by its rarity and distinctive slipper-shaped flowers that make it highly sought after by collectors. Habitat destruction through deforestation and agricultural expansion in its limited range has further reduced available growing sites. The species' extremely restricted distribution and small population size make it particularly vulnerable to local extinctions from even minor disturbances.
Where does Excluded Paphiopedilum live?
Excluded Paphiopedilum occurs in Thailand. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Excluded Paphiopedilum?
The main threats to Excluded Paphiopedilum are 5.3, 5.4, 6.1, and 8.3. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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