Present Status of Endangered Orchids in 'SATOYAMA' Area

Abstract

 Approximately 300 taxa (species and varieties) of orchids inhabit in Japan, and one-third grow in 'SATOYAMA' areas. 'SATOYAMA' areas have the same proportion of endemic orchids as other areas of Japan, fewer CR (critically endangered) species and more VU (vulnerable) species. A recent rapid decrease in the population size rather than rarity and/or locally restricted habitats seems a major factor for the population extinction risk of the orchids in 'SATOYAMA' area. Both habitat loss and horticultural over-collection seem responsible for population declination of the orchid species in 'SATOYAMA' areas. Lithophilic or saprophytic orchids seem relatively more threatened than epiphytic orchids.