Fowlie's Paphiopedilum
CR

Fowlie's Paphiopedilum

Paphiopedilum fowliei

Declining

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

Overview

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

Paphiopedilum fowliei faces severe pressure from overcollection for the international orchid trade, with its striking slipper-shaped flowers making it highly sought after by collectors. Habitat destruction through deforestation and agricultural expansion in its limited Philippine range has further reduced available growing sites. The species' extremely restricted distribution and slow reproductive rate make recovery particularly challenging once populations decline.

Threat summary

Habitat

This terrestrial orchid grows in humid, shaded understory conditions of lowland and montane forests in the Philippines. It typically occurs on well-drained soils with rich organic matter, often among leaf litter and moss-covered rocks at elevations between 200-800 meters.

Forest· majorForest - Subtropical/tropical moist montane· majorRocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionResource & habitat protectionSpecies recoverySpecies reintroductionEx-situ conservationAwareness & communicationsLegislationLinked enterprises & livelihood alternatives

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Fowlie's Paphiopedilum classified as Critically Endangered?
Fowlie'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 fowliei faces severe pressure from overcollection for the international orchid trade, with its striking slipper-shaped flowers making it highly sought after by collectors. Habitat destruction through deforestation and agricultural expansion in its limited Philippine range has further reduced available growing sites. The species' extremely restricted distribution and slow reproductive rate make recovery particularly challenging once populations decline.
Where does Fowlie's Paphiopedilum live?
Fowlie's Paphiopedilum occurs in China, and Philippines. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Fowlie's Paphiopedilum?
The main threats to Fowlie's Paphiopedilum are 2.1, 5.3, 5.4, and ai-1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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