Tran's Paphiopedilum
CR

Tran's Paphiopedilum

Paphiopedilum tranlienianum

Declining

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

Overview

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

Paphiopedilum tranlienianum faces severe pressure from illegal collection for the international orchid trade, with its striking blooms making it highly sought after by collectors. The species' extremely limited range in northern Vietnam makes entire populations vulnerable to overcollection. Habitat degradation from agricultural expansion and limestone quarrying in its karst limestone habitat further compounds collection pressures, leaving remaining populations increasingly fragmented and isolated.

Threat summary

Habitat

This terrestrial orchid inhabits shaded limestone cliffs and rocky crevices in montane karst formations of northern Vietnam. It grows in humus-rich pockets between limestone rocks at elevations between 800-1200 meters, requiring the specific microclimate conditions provided by these calcium-rich substrates.

Rocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

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

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Tran's Paphiopedilum classified as Critically Endangered?
Tran'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 tranlienianum faces severe pressure from illegal collection for the international orchid trade, with its striking blooms making it highly sought after by collectors. The species' extremely limited range in northern Vietnam makes entire populations vulnerable to overcollection. Habitat degradation from agricultural expansion and limestone quarrying in its karst limestone habitat further compounds collection pressures, leaving remaining populations increasingly fragmented and isolated.
Where does Tran's Paphiopedilum live?
Tran's Paphiopedilum occurs in China, and Vietnam. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Tran's Paphiopedilum?
The main threats to Tran's Paphiopedilum 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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