Orchid trade: Southeast Asia's conservation gaps

Southeast Asia holds some of the world's richest orchid diversity, but a new study finds that trade practices and missing protections leave hundreds of species exposed. Research led by Hong Liu, a professor in FIU's Department of Earth and Environment, examines the gaps that remain in orchid conservation across the region.

Liu's study identifies 26 endangered orchid species in Southeast Asia with no conservation measures in place. One of them is Corybas puniceus, a palm-sized orchid found only in Southeast Asia and now classified as critically endangered. The species is popular among collectors worldwide. The study notes a pattern: the orchids most sought after by collectors are among those with the fewest protections.

Tracing where an orchid comes from is a central obstacle. Wild-collected plants are sometimes relabeled as nursery-propagated, a practice known as orchid laundering. Once that happens, the plant's origin becomes difficult to establish. Under CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, orchids make up a majority of the plants listed for protection, but a CITES permit does not verify whether a plant was collected in the wild or grown in a nursery. Online sales add another layer of difficulty, since inspectors often cannot determine which wild species are being sold or where they originated.

The trade can also enter conservation through breeding programs. Parent plants that are critically endangered can be crossed, passing their genetic material into offspring even after the original plant leaves the marketplace. Liu's research proposes expanding orchid production technology across the region to grow more cultivated plants, which would reduce pressure on wild populations. Her work also points to sustainable facilities where harvesters can learn practices that limit the impact of collecting while keeping their livelihoods intact. "I think that would be a win-win situation," Liu said.

The study also addresses what scientists call plant blindness, the tendency to overlook flora. Liu points to gaps in research funding and penalties for plant conservation laws. "Just by comparison, it's quite quiet for plants, even for orchids," she said. On conservation in Southeast Asia, Liu said, "I think they're doing a fantastic job. But there's still a lot of work that needs to be done and can be done."

The study does not set a timetable for action. Corybas puniceus remains classified as critically endangered with no conservation measures in place.