CR

Urban's Paphiopedilum

Paphiopedilum urbanianum

Declining

Overview

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

Paphiopedilum urbanianum faces severe pressure from illegal collection for the international orchid trade, with its striking flowers making it highly sought after by collectors. The species' extremely limited range in the Philippines makes entire populations vulnerable to overcollection. Habitat destruction through deforestation and agricultural conversion has further reduced available growing sites, while the species' slow growth and specialized pollination requirements limit natural recovery.

Threat summary

Habitat

This terrestrial orchid inhabits humid limestone forests and rocky outcrops in the Philippines, typically growing in shaded areas with well-draining soils. It requires specific microclimate conditions with high humidity and filtered light beneath the forest canopy.

Forest· majorForest - Subtropical/tropical moist montane· major

Conservation measures underway

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

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Urban's Paphiopedilum classified as Critically Endangered?
Urban'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 urbanianum faces severe pressure from illegal collection for the international orchid trade, with its striking flowers making it highly sought after by collectors. The species' extremely limited range in the Philippines makes entire populations vulnerable to overcollection. Habitat destruction through deforestation and agricultural conversion has further reduced available growing sites, while the species' slow growth and specialized pollination requirements limit natural recovery.
Where does Urban's Paphiopedilum live?
Urban's Paphiopedilum occurs in Philippines. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Urban's Paphiopedilum?
The main threats to Urban's Paphiopedilum are 2.1, 5.3, 5.4, and ai-1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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