The book named “Orchids of Xishuangbanna: Diversity and Conservation” has been recently published by China Forestry Publishing House. The book was jointly completed by scientists from Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) and the Management Bureau of Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve.

   Xishuangbanna is one of the most orchid-rich areas in China. Orchids are among the most threatened of all flowering plants: over-collection and habitat loss has taken many species towards extinction in the wild. Prof. Gao Jiangyun’s team of XTBG, together with the Management Bureau of Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve, conducted many systematic field surveys in Xishuangbanna. Their aim was to understand the effects of land-use change on orchid diversity and determine protection priorities. Using IUCN Red List categories and criteria, they assessed the endangerment status of all orchids in Xishuangbanna.

   In “Orchids of Xishuangbanna: Diversity and Conservation”, 363 orchid species of 108 genera were introduced. The endangerment status was assessed as Extinct in the Wild, Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable, and Least Concern. The book provides readers with fundamental information for further integrative conservation on local orchid plants, and a useful case study on assessing species endangerment status and determining protection priorities of a special taxonomical plant group at the regional level.

Cover of the book

Contents