Sukhakul's Paphiopedilum
CR

Sukhakul's Paphiopedilum

Paphiopedilum sukhakulii

Declining

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

Overview

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

Paphiopedilum sukhakulii faces severe pressure from illegal collection for the international orchid trade, with wild populations heavily exploited by commercial collectors. Habitat destruction through limestone quarrying and agricultural expansion has eliminated many historical sites across its limited range in northeastern Thailand. The species' extremely slow growth rate and specialized pollination requirements make recovery from population declines exceptionally difficult.

Threat summary

Habitat

This terrestrial orchid grows exclusively in limestone crevices and rocky outcrops in deciduous forests of northeastern Thailand, typically at elevations between 200-800 meters. It requires the specific microclimate conditions provided by limestone karst formations, including consistent moisture levels and filtered sunlight through the forest canopy.

Forest· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recoverySpecies reintroductionEx-situ conservationAwareness & communicationsLegislationLinked enterprises & livelihood alternatives

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

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VU

Disperis galerita

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Acropora hemprichiiEN

Acropora hemprichii

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EN

Montipora calcarea

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Wrinkled Hornbill

Rhabdotorrhinus corrugatus

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Mitrephora vulpina

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Sukhakul's Paphiopedilum classified as Critically Endangered?
Sukhakul'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 sukhakulii faces severe pressure from illegal collection for the international orchid trade, with wild populations heavily exploited by commercial collectors. Habitat destruction through limestone quarrying and agricultural expansion has eliminated many historical sites across its limited range in northeastern Thailand. The species' extremely slow growth rate and specialized pollination requirements make recovery from population declines exceptionally difficult.
Where does Sukhakul's Paphiopedilum live?
Sukhakul's Paphiopedilum occurs in Thailand. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Sukhakul's Paphiopedilum?
The main threats to Sukhakul's Paphiopedilum are 5.3, 5.4, ai-1, and ai-2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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