Eight species of orchids that are at risk of extinction have been found in the Central Highlands area.

Dr Nong Van Duy from the Central Highlands Science Institute and his team discovered the species while they were conducting a two year project on orchid preservation. The species are Schoenorchis hangianae Aver, Taeniophyllum phitamii Aver, Sarcolyphis tichii Aver, Ludisia phongii Aver, Cymbidium repens Aver& Thinh, Dendrobium thinhii Aver, Trichoglottis canhii Aver, and Octarrhena minucscula Aver.

Photo: vietnamnet.vn

Earlier, the researcher, in cooperation with his Russian and Chinese counterparts, found four new orchid species in the region.

Vietnam has identified 1,184 orchid species, and the Central Highlands is home to 325 of them, belonging to 107 genera.

According to Duy’s team, the area has 72 unnamed orchid species that have not been listed in Vietnam’s Red Book.

The scientists hope conservation efforts will help protect the species and other flora and fauna in this rich biodiversity site.

Source: VNA