CR

Stone's Paphiopedilum

Paphiopedilum stonei

Declining

Overview

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

Paphiopedilum stonei faces severe pressure from overcollection for the international orchid trade, where single specimens can command thousands of dollars due to their spectacular size and rarity. Habitat destruction through logging and agricultural conversion in its limited range across Borneo has fragmented remaining populations. The species' extremely slow growth rate and specialized pollination requirements make recovery particularly challenging once populations decline.

Threat summary

Habitat

This terrestrial orchid inhabits the understory of lowland and hill dipterocarp forests in Borneo, typically growing on steep slopes with good drainage in deep leaf litter. It occurs at elevations from sea level to approximately 1,200 meters in areas with high humidity and filtered sunlight.

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

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies recoverySpecies reintroductionEx-situ conservationAwareness & communicationsLegislation

Other threatened species in ORCHIDACEAE

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Porpax angustifolia

Unknown
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Polystachya longiscapa

Unknown
CR

The Lost Spathoglottis

Spathoglottis arunachalensis

Declining
VU

Disperis galerita

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Threatened in Malaysia

Acropora hemprichiiEN

Acropora hemprichii

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VU

Podocarpus ridleyi

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EN

Benstonea saint-johnii

Unknown
VU

Hopea coriacea

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Stone's Paphiopedilum classified as Critically Endangered?
Stone'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 stonei faces severe pressure from overcollection for the international orchid trade, where single specimens can command thousands of dollars due to their spectacular size and rarity. Habitat destruction through logging and agricultural conversion in its limited range across Borneo has fragmented remaining populations. The species' extremely slow growth rate and specialized pollination requirements make recovery particularly challenging once populations decline.
Where does Stone's Paphiopedilum live?
Stone'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 Stone's Paphiopedilum?
The main threats to Stone's Paphiopedilum are 2.1, 2.1.1, 5.3, and 5.4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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