Current Status and Conservation Strategies of Wild Orchid Resources in Guangxi Yachang Forests

Abstract

The Yachang forest region is rich in wild orchid diversity,with 156 orchid species belonging to 52 genera distributed in the hills throughout the Yachang Orchid Nature Reserve.The orchids' distribution in the Yachang region is,however,uneven and naturally or unnaturally fragmented.In particular,there are sixteen distribution hotspots with large concentrations of orchid species and populations within the region.The continuing existence of these rich wild orchid resources are threatened by disturbance from human activities,livestock grazing,and other fast-changing environmental conditions within the Yachang region.We recommend that the conservation strategies of the wild orchids in Yachang should include primarily of in-situ conservation measures,supplemented by ex-situ conservation.Yachang Orchid Nature Reserve should complete and improve its protection facilities as soon as possible,including the completion of a wild orchid germplasm bank,construction of fences around orchid-rich areas that are subject to heavy herbivory from livestock,and intensification of foot-patrols in these areas.