Slipper orchids face danger of extinction in Viet Nam
01/11/2006 -- 17:27(GMT+7)
http://www.vnagency.com.vn/NewsA.asp...ID=31&NEWS_ID=
182289

Ha Noi, Jan. 11 (VNA) - Vietnamese slipper orchids are facing the danger
of extinction due to over-exploitation and have been listed as endangered
species, said ecologist Phan Ke Loc from the Viet Nam Science and
Technology Institute.

Viet Nam has 20 species of slipper orchids, many of which are diminishing.

Recently, scientists have identified three globally threatened species of
slipper orchids, scientifically named Paphiopedilum spp. in the Phong Nha-
Ke Bang National Park in central Quang Binh province.

The Paphiopedilum species, which has been listed in the World Conservation
Union?s Red List of threatened species, are found in primitive forests at
an altitude of 1,000 m above sea level.

The slipper orchids were first found in central coastal Khanh Hoa province
in 1922 but they populations were quickly decimated by over-exploitation.
They were discovered again in 1996 in Khanh Hoa province and northern
mountainous Cao Bang province. Since then, they have been exploited to
near extinction.

--
Reka

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