CR

Cypripedium wumengense

Declining

Overview

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

Cypripedium wumengense faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion and infrastructure development in its limited montane range. The species is particularly vulnerable to collection pressure from orchid enthusiasts and traditional medicine practitioners, as lady's slipper orchids are highly prized. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the specific temperature and moisture conditions required for this specialized orchid's survival in its restricted high-altitude habitat.

Threat summary

Habitat

This critically endangered orchid inhabits montane forests and alpine meadows at elevations between 2,800-3,500 meters in the Wumeng Mountains of southwestern China. It requires specific soil conditions and mycorrhizal associations typical of high-altitude temperate ecosystems with cool, moist conditions.

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 Cypripedium wumengense classified as Critically Endangered?
Cypripedium wumengense 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. Cypripedium wumengense faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion and infrastructure development in its limited montane range. The species is particularly vulnerable to collection pressure from orchid enthusiasts and traditional medicine practitioners, as lady's slipper orchids are highly prized. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the specific temperature and moisture conditions required for this specialized orchid's survival in its restricted high-altitude habitat.
Where does Cypripedium wumengense live?
Cypripedium wumengense occurs in China. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Cypripedium wumengense?
The main threats to Cypripedium wumengense 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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