CYPRIPEDIUM AND CONSERVATION PHILOSOPHY: A PRACTICAL AND PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Activities are explored for the lay individual to impact positively on conservation of plant species. The following nine recommendations are made: 1. Under some conditions, increase of genetic diversity through introduction of foreign clones is appropriate. 2. Introduction into the wild can be useful to conservation, even if survivorship of the introductions is low. 3. Communication between government officials with information on areas slated for development and conservationists willing to salvage plants should be improved. 4. Collection of superior clones for development of 'improved' line-bred species can reduce incentive for collection in the wild by flooding market demands with more attractive material. 5. CITES should encourage salvage efforts and promote flow of rescued material. 6. Conservation requires a multilateral approach and should include individuals and commercial growers as well as botanical institutions. The conventional wisdom that arboreta and botanical gardens have much more commitment to conserving species than individuals is too often shattered by personnel changes and budgetary constraints. 7. Individuals can better work to help preserve orchid populations on a local level, an activity not possible through membership in most conservation organizations. 8. Rare and desirable plants should be rescued from habitat destruction even if they enter commercial markets. 9. Commercial growers can aid conservation efforts by filling market demands and by serving as information sources for possible illegal activity.