CRCritically Endangered

Segawa's Cypripedium

Cypripedium segawae

Declining

Overview

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

Cypripedium segawae faces severe population decline due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development in its limited range. The species is particularly vulnerable to collection pressure from orchid enthusiasts, as lady's slipper orchids are highly prized in horticulture. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the specific temperature and moisture conditions required for this orchid's complex mycorrhizal relationships.
Threat summary

Habitat

This rare orchid inhabits deciduous and mixed forests with rich, well-drained soils, typically growing in partially shaded areas with specific mycorrhizal fungi partnerships. It requires stable forest ecosystems with consistent moisture levels and protection from direct sunlight.

Forest· major

Conservation measures underway

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

Other threatened species in ORCHIDACEAE

Porpax angustifolia

Unknown

Polystachya longiscapa

Unknown

Richter's Phragmipedium

Phragmipedium richteri

Declining

The Lost Spathoglottis

Spathoglottis arunachalensis

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Threatened in China

Montipora effusa

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Reeves's Pheasant

Syrmaticus reevesii

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Montipora capitata

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Montipora spumosa

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Segawa's Cypripedium classified as Critically Endangered?

Segawa's Cypripedium 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. Cypripedium segawae faces severe population decline due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development in its limited range. The species is particularly vulnerable to collection pressure from orchid enthusiasts, as lady's slipper orchids are highly prized in horticulture. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the specific temperature and moisture conditions required for this orchid's complex mycorrhizal relationships.

Where does Segawa's Cypripedium live?

Segawa's Cypripedium occurs in China, and Taiwan. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.

What are the main threats to Segawa's Cypripedium?

The main threats to Segawa's Cypripedium are 1.1, 11.1, 11.2, and 4.1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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