Ecological data for an orchid diversity hotspot show that the subtribe Laeliinae may be endangered in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest
24 April 2018
BARBERENA, FELIPE; Baumgratz, José Fernando; Barros, FábioThe Brazilian Atlantic Forest contains a mega diversity of seed plants. The Parque Nacional do Itatiaia is a large and mature Atlantic Forest remnant in southeastern Brazil. It includes around 10% of the Brazilian orchids and is considered a priority area for conservation. We recognized 33 species of the neotropical and very ornamental subtribe Laeliinae (Orchidaceae) in this park, but 13 species may be extinct locally. Ecological information, including population size, vertical distribution, and orchid-phorophyte specificity are provided for each species. In addition, we discussed the main factors threatening the species and official conservation policies since that the application of IUCN Red List categories and criteria at regional levels may be inappropriate for geopolitical borders, especially for overly restricted geographical areas. For this reason, some questions need to be addressed: When should a decision maker be formally advised of the possibility of species being threatened in a state, municipality or a conservation unit? Below what minimum number of individuals in a population should conservation efforts (financial, logistical, etc.) be applied? These issues are more worrying when dealing with epiphytic orchids that are particularly threatened in floras. For developing countries, these concerns are especially important since resources available are usually very limited for support biodiversity conservation actions. In addition, the lack of permanent control of legally protected areas, difficulties to combat natural disturbances and predatory human activities also contribute to worsen the problems intrinsic to the conservation of these areas.