CR

Wentworth's Paphiopedilum

Paphiopedilum wentworthianum

Declining

Overview

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

Paphiopedilum wentworthianum 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 restricted range in limestone karst formations makes entire populations vulnerable to habitat destruction from quarrying and agricultural expansion. Climate change poses an additional threat to this narrow endemic, as shifting precipitation patterns could alter the specific microhabitat conditions required for its survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This orchid is endemic to limestone karst formations in Southeast Asia, growing as a terrestrial species in shaded areas of tropical forests with well-drained, calcium-rich soils. It typically occurs at specific elevations where humidity levels and temperature remain relatively stable throughout the year.

Forest· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recoverySpecies reintroductionEx-situ conservationLegislation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Wentworth's Paphiopedilum classified as Critically Endangered?
Wentworth'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 wentworthianum 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 restricted range in limestone karst formations makes entire populations vulnerable to habitat destruction from quarrying and agricultural expansion. Climate change poses an additional threat to this narrow endemic, as shifting precipitation patterns could alter the specific microhabitat conditions required for its survival.
Where does Wentworth's Paphiopedilum live?
Wentworth's Paphiopedilum occurs in Papua New Guinea, and Solomon Islands. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Wentworth's Paphiopedilum?
The main threats to Wentworth's 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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