CR

Vietnamese Paphiopedilum

Paphiopedilum vietnamense

Declining

Overview

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

Paphiopedilum vietnamense faces severe pressure from overcollection for the international orchid trade, where specimens command extremely high prices among collectors. The species' restricted range in northern Vietnam makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and limestone quarrying activities. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the specific microclimate conditions this orchid requires in its montane forest habitat.

Threat summary

Habitat

This terrestrial orchid inhabits limestone karst formations in montane forests of northern Vietnam, typically growing in shaded areas with high humidity and well-draining soils. It occurs at elevations between 800-1200 meters in areas with specific microclimate conditions created by the limestone substrate.

Rocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recoverySpecies reintroductionEx-situ conservationLegislation

Other threatened species in ORCHIDACEAE

EN

Porpax angustifolia

Unknown
EN

Polystachya longiscapa

Unknown
CR

The Lost Spathoglottis

Spathoglottis arunachalensis

Declining
VU

Disperis galerita

Declining

Threatened in Vietnam

Acropora hemprichiiEN

Acropora hemprichii

Declining
Bourret's Cat SnakeEN

Bourret's Cat Snake

Boiga bourreti

Unknown
EN

Golden Vietnamese Cypress

Xanthocyparis vietnamensis

Declining
EN

Newmania gracilis

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Vietnamese Paphiopedilum classified as Critically Endangered?
Vietnamese 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 vietnamense faces severe pressure from overcollection for the international orchid trade, where specimens command extremely high prices among collectors. The species' restricted range in northern Vietnam makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and limestone quarrying activities. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the specific microclimate conditions this orchid requires in its montane forest habitat.
Where does Vietnamese Paphiopedilum live?
Vietnamese Paphiopedilum occurs in Vietnam. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Vietnamese Paphiopedilum?
The main threats to Vietnamese 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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