Protecting Colombia’s threatened orchids
When orchids disappear, it often signals wider damage to ecosystems that support countless other plants and animals.
Orchids are being pushed closer to extinction
Colombia is one of the most orchid-rich countries in the world, home to thousands of species found nowhere else on Earth. But many of these extraordinary plants are under increasing threat. Forest loss, land-use change and illegal collection are destroying the specialised habitats orchids depend on, pushing some species closer to extinction before they have been properly documented. And even in the well-connected habitats that remain, orchids suffer significant losses when branches drop off or trees fall over, sometimes destroying hundreds of individuals.
Monitoring orchid loss and relocating them for survival
With support from PTES, conservationist Ana María Benavides is leading work to protect threatened orchid species in key areas of Colombia. Orchids are highly sensitive to environmental changes, making them important indicators of forest health. When orchids disappear, it often signals wider damage to ecosystems that support countless other plants and animals.
This project will monitor orchid loss from fallen trees and experimentally translocate 2,000 individuals to secondary forests (those regenerated on land that was previously cleared by human activities or natural disturbances) enhancing orchid establishment in these areas where natural dispersal is unlikely. Ana María and her team will study the relocated orchids’ survival, producing guidance for other conservationists on how best to promote orchid recovery and create new populations.
Raising awareness to protect orchids in the future
A central part of the project is working closely with local communities. By raising awareness of the importance of orchids and their role within healthy forests, the project encourages people to value and protect these plants rather than collect or damage them. Training and engagement help promote sustainable land management practices that benefit both wildlife and local livelihoods.
By protecting orchids, this project is helping to conserve entire forest ecosystems. Safeguarding these habitats not only gives threatened orchid species a better chance of survival, but also supports a wide range of other wildlife that depend on Colombia’s forests.
With your help we can restore Colombia’s threatened orchids.
Image credits AM Benavides