CR

Ooi's Paphiopedilum

Paphiopedilum ooii

Declining

Overview

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

Paphiopedilum ooii faces severe threats from overcollection for the international orchid trade, driven by its striking appearance and extreme rarity. Habitat destruction through limestone quarrying and agricultural expansion has eliminated much of its native range in Peninsular Malaysia. The species' extremely restricted distribution and small population size make it highly vulnerable to stochastic events and further human disturbance.

Threat summary

Habitat

This terrestrial orchid is endemic to limestone hills and karst formations in Peninsular Malaysia, growing in shaded areas among limestone rocks and leaf litter. It typically occurs in primary and secondary forests on calcareous substrates at elevations between 200-800 meters.

Conservation measures underway

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

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Ooi's Paphiopedilum classified as Critically Endangered?
Ooi'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 ooii faces severe threats from overcollection for the international orchid trade, driven by its striking appearance and extreme rarity. Habitat destruction through limestone quarrying and agricultural expansion has eliminated much of its native range in Peninsular Malaysia. The species' extremely restricted distribution and small population size make it highly vulnerable to stochastic events and further human disturbance.
Where does Ooi's Paphiopedilum live?
Ooi's Paphiopedilum occurs in Malaysia. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Ooi's Paphiopedilum?
The main threats to Ooi's Paphiopedilum are 11.1, 2.1, 2.1.1, and 3.2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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