Thai Paphiopedilum
CR

Thai Paphiopedilum

Paphiopedilum thaianum

Declining

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

Overview

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

Paphiopedilum thaianum faces severe pressure from illegal collection for the international orchid trade, with its striking slipper-shaped flowers making it highly sought after by collectors. The species' extremely limited range in western Thailand makes entire populations vulnerable to overcollection, while habitat degradation from limestone quarrying and agricultural expansion further reduces available growing sites. Climate change poses an additional threat to this limestone-dependent species, as altered precipitation patterns could disrupt the specific moisture conditions required for survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This terrestrial orchid grows exclusively on limestone substrates in deciduous forests and forest margins of western Thailand. It typically occurs in areas with good drainage but consistent moisture, often in partially shaded locations where leaf litter accumulates among limestone rocks.

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

Conservation measures underway

Species recoverySpecies reintroductionEx-situ conservationLegislation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Thai Paphiopedilum classified as Critically Endangered?
Thai 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 thaianum faces severe pressure from illegal collection for the international orchid trade, with its striking slipper-shaped flowers making it highly sought after by collectors. The species' extremely limited range in western Thailand makes entire populations vulnerable to overcollection, while habitat degradation from limestone quarrying and agricultural expansion further reduces available growing sites. Climate change poses an additional threat to this limestone-dependent species, as altered precipitation patterns could disrupt the specific moisture conditions required for survival.
Where does Thai Paphiopedilum live?
Thai 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 Thai Paphiopedilum?
The main threats to Thai Paphiopedilum are 5.3, 5.4, 8.3, and ai-1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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