Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 240533974

Searching and Mapping the Last Population of the Critically Endangered Supard's Paphiopedilum Orchid in the Meratus Mountains

Over the past three years (2021-2023), we mapped the illegal trade in ornamental plants from the Meratus Mountains using the Facebook application. One finding that particularly caught our attention was the surprisingly high market demand for Supard's Paphiopedilum (Paphiopedilum supardii Braem & Lob). This species is a terrestrial-litophyte orchid found in humid rainforests and limestone areas at elevations of 600-1000 meters above sea level (Braem & Chiron, 2003; Chan et al., 1994; Cribb, 1987 ). Endemic to Kalimantan, it is believed to be limited to specific habitats on the southeastern side of the island, especially in Kalimantan Selatan (Chan et al., 1994; Handoyo, 2010). Due to its declining population, Supard's Paphiopedilum is categorized as Critically Endangered (CR) by the IUCN in 2015, listed in Appendix I of CITES, and considered an important horticultural plant requiring conservation attention under Indonesian law (Handini et al., 2016; Risna et al., 2010).

Over-collection, deforestation, and habitat conversion are the primary threats pushing this remarkable species towards extinction (Rankou & Sullivan, 2015). Based on our desktop research, the highest buying and selling activity for P. supardii occurred in three South Kalimantan districts: Tabalong, Hulu Sungai Selatan, and Tanah Laut. We are connecting this data with information from private orchid collections in these districts. These three districts will be the focus of our project, where we will conduct a real-time population count, assess ecological conditions, and identify threat factors. These actions will help us determine the remaining wild population, particularly in the Meratus mountain range of South Kalimantan.

This project will focus on the Meratus Mountains Range in South Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. The observation points will be located in three districts: Tabalong (north site), Hulu Sungai Selatan (central site), and Tanah Laut (south site), for the first period we will survey at least two locations.

Objectives of This Expedition:

1). Search and mapping of the current populations of P. supardii in the Meratus Mountains.

2). To understand the ecology, population, and threats to P. supardii.

3). Raising public awareness and promoting ex situ conservation efforts for P. supardii.