Monkey Orchid
CR

Monkey Orchid

Orchis simia

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

Overview

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

The Monkey Orchid faces severe population declines across its range due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development, which has eliminated many of the calcareous grasslands and woodland edges it requires. Overcollection by orchid enthusiasts and changes in traditional land management practices that maintained suitable habitat conditions have further accelerated its decline to critically endangered status.

Threat summary

Habitat

Calcareous grasslands, chalk downs, limestone pavements, and open woodland edges on alkaline soils, typically found at elevations from sea level to 1,500 meters. The species requires well-drained, nutrient-poor soils with high calcium content and benefits from light grazing or mowing that maintains open conditions.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Orchidaceae

CR

Huntleya apiculata

Unknown
Masdevallia niesseniaeCR

Masdevallia niesseniae

Unknown
Encyclia nematocaulonCR

Encyclia nematocaulon

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Lepanthes diaziaeCR

Lepanthes diaziae

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Monkey Orchid classified as Critically Endangered?
Monkey Orchid 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. The Monkey Orchid faces severe population declines across its range due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development, which has eliminated many of the calcareous grasslands and woodland edges it requires. Overcollection by orchid enthusiasts and changes in traditional land management practices that maintained suitable habitat conditions have further accelerated its decline to critically endangered status.
Where does Monkey Orchid live?
Monkey Orchid 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 Monkey Orchid?
The main threats to Monkey Orchid 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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