Restoration of endangered orchids of Western Ghats-Efforts of JNTBGRI

Dr. S. William Decruse Sr. Scientist and HoD Biotechnology KSCSTE-Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute Palode, Thiruvananthapuram-695562 email: [email protected]

INTRODUCTION The primary goal of any orchid conservation program should be the in situ management of habitat; that is, the preservation, management, and restoration of habitats that support and are associated with orchid populations. Reintroduction and translocation of orchid are alternatives or augments to the preservation of orchid habitats. Both habitat management and orchid reintroduction/reinforcement as a means of orchid conservation are also practiced in Indian context as in different part of the world. Conservation projects are happening worldwide with different time scales and approaches but we are still in a learning phase. Mostly, experimental reintroduction/reinforcement of orchid species with monitoring is undertaken but information on the establishment of self-perpetuating populations for true restoration leading to the removal from endangered list is not available. A broad effort integrating orchid ecology, pollination biology, propagation science, mycology, and population genetic diversity is essential and has been demonstrated as an effective means of orchid conservation planning and implementation (Stewart and Kane, 2007a; Swarts et al., 2007). Reintroduction biology, as a means of species conservation, is relatively young, and the research on this topic has been fragmented and ad hoc, in many instances (Guerrant and Kaye, 2007; Seddon et al., 2007, Stewart 2008). Several countries have taken considerable steps to include orchids as a part of overall biodiversity conservation, resulting in many successful plant reintroductions. Some of these include: Liparis loeselii, Cypripedium calceolus, Anacamptis laxiflora, Dactylorhiza majalis var. praetermissa in the United Kingdom (Ramsay and Dixon, 2003), Caladenia huegelii, Thelymitra manginiorum, and fragantissima in Australia (Ramsay and Dixon, 2003; Swarts et al., 2007; Smith et al., 2007), Grammatophyllum speciosum in Singapore (Yam Wing and Thame, 2001), Ipsea malabarica, coerulea and Smithsonia maculata in India (Gangaprasad et al 1999, Martin, 2003; Simmi Aggarwal1 and C. Nirmala 2012, William Decruse and Gangaprasad 2018). With the success of experimental restoration of Smithsonia maculata undertaken by JNTBGRI in 1993, this effort has been extended to a few more endangered species as Paphioedilum druryii, Vanda wightii, Vanda thwaitesii and Eulophia cullenii. The experience of JNTBGRI on experimental restoration on those species is shared here for extending the effort in other deserving species for ecosystem restoration and utilization of naural resources.

CASE STUDIES

1. Paphiopedilum druryii

Description The Indian slipper orchid Paphiopedilum druryii (Bedd.) Stein probably the only one among an estimated 60 species of the Paphiopedilum completely isolated in distribution in the extreme southern ranges of the Western Ghats after the Pleistocene era (Delden, 1971). Originally found in great profusion in the so called Travancore Hills and collected by Mrs. J. A. Brown in 1865 (Cribb, 1978 & 1987) it remained obscure to the botanical world for more than a century until Mammen and Mammen (1974) relocated a solitary colony of the same in Agasthyamalai. The latter authors authenticated its distribution at an altitude of 4000-5000 ft in hard limy soil in the windward side of the mountain falling under Peppara Wild Life Sanctuary and refuted its reported occurrence at lower elevations in the nearby Kalakkad hills (Delden, 1971). Pempahishey (1976) described a sponsored collection trip in which a few tiny plants were apparently collected from the same habitat but subsequently the species was described as endangered or extinct in the wild (Knees, 1988). Frequent forest fires and consequent habitat destruction (Mammen and Mammen, 1974) and over- collection for ornamental and medicinal purposes (Pradhan, 1978) are attributed to its decline in the native habitat. At present P. druryi is protected from export by national legislation, included in IUCN Plant Red Data Book (Lucas and Synge, 1980) and in response to Government of India's request to gain extra protection for those still surviving in the wild it was included in Appendix-I of the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of wild flora and fauna (Knees, 1988). Distribution

The species have narrow distribution in Agasthyamalai falling under Peppara wildlife sanctuary, and Neyyar Wildlife sanctuary in Kerala and Kalakkad-Mundanthurai tiger reserve in Tamil Nadu Population information A population study conducted in March 1993 (Menon et al 1995) revealed 1126 plant groups each with 1-35 shoots surviving at Agasthyamala region belonging to Neyyar Wildlife sanctuary. The Plants growing under partial shade provided by Aralia sp, Syzygium sp, Osbeckia sp, Melastoma sp., Z. sebastiana etc. were healthier with newer growths than those growing in the open. In spite of the fairly large population size, only seven seedlings could be noticed in the plot. Most of the plants were under the partial shade of the stunted trees and shrubs in the forest border. However, the plants are not distributed inside the forest.

Habit of Paphiopedilum druryii

Habit and Habitat P. druryi inhabit withered rocks or thin sandy loam type soil in the plains or in the slope montane grass lands often in partial shade provided by tall grasses, shrubs or small tress. The trees adjacent to the habitats were short owing to high velocity winds to which they were constantly exposed. The roots of the plants are tightly packed and embedded in the top layer of the soil. The long branched rhizomes of the plants are creeping at shallow 0.3-2 cm depth and remained at times partially exposed on the ground. Number of suckers per plants mostly ranged between 3-20. The rhizomes of certain mature plants extend to 150 cm long with up to 35 suckers. The plants found in partial shade are robust and vigorously growing compared to others exposed to open sun. The leaves of the healthy plants are 20-30 cm long and 2.5-4 cm wide while those of the weaker plants in the open are short (8-14 cm) and narrow (1.8-3 cm). Peak flowering of the plants is in March and each has at least three suckers, out of which the oldest one often have the flower. After the complete opening of the flower, a new sucker invariably emerge from the basal part of the youngest sucker and grew vigorously as the flower got withered and the flowering shoot lost its growth any further. Thus even after the drying up of the flowering sucker, in most cases, the plants maintained three individual shoots at various stages of development. In some plants, after years of growth, there were several shoots arising through branching of rhizome, of which the oldest of the three sucker have flowers. In such plants, increase in the number of plants is through vegetative means by drying and decaying of the rhizome at certain parts and subsequent separation and development of the shoots into individual plants. Decline and threat Population study conducted in 1993 revealed the presence of 1126 plants each with 3-25 suckers in one locality and a few more plants within a radius of about 1Km. However, a survey made in 2019 revealed the presence of approximate 456 plant groups each with 2-7 suckers. Thus 60% of the population was lost in 25 years. Anthropogenic pressures and disturbance of wild animals are the possible factors influencing the population decline. Therefore, due to the significant decline of population, short range of distribution and very poor seedling recruitment, the species will stay in the critically endangered category.

Conservation measures Seed culture, seedling production and reintroduction/reinforcement in addition of ex situ conservation at JNTBGRI have been adapted for its conservation. Mature capsules were collected from their native locality during 2007-08 period and seed cultured to produce seedlings. The seedlings were hardened in a mist house followed by rearing in presence of sand from forest floor allowing entering compatible symbiotic fungus. The seedlings thus reared in the nursery for 3-5 years were used for restoration.

Reintroduction/Reinforcement. 320 Seedlings of P. druryi after 4 years growth in the nursery were planted into its natural locality in Agasthyamala as part of its restoration. Small pits were made in the rocky exposures covered with grasses in its native locality in druryii para. Planting was done in May 2018 after getting sufficient summer rains. But, only 36% (118 Nos) of the plants survived after one year of planting due to severe drought in the year 2018

Paphiopedilum druryii at ex situ conservatory of JNTBGRI Ex situ Conservation About 75 pots each with 3-30 suckers are maintaining in an ex situ conservatory at JNTBGRI campus at an altitude 180m above mean sea level. The plants get acclimatized at the lower altitude compared to 1400-1800m in their native habitat as evidenced by their luxuriant growth and consistent flowering every year. The plants flowers during December-January every year since 2014. Fruit set with viable seed formation could be obtained through hand pollination. Seeds thus produced germinated to produce seedlings. Thus a continuous plant production system could be established through the ex situ conservatory.

2. Vanda thwaitesii J.D. Hook

Description Vanda thwaitesii. was first collected by Thwaites from Sri-Lank. Hooker in 1898 described the species and named as Vanda thwaitesii, after its collector (Sathishkumar and Sureshkumar 1998). V. thwaitesii remained elusive for over a century which forced Jayaweera in 1981 to declare the species as extinct (Sathishkumar and Sureshkumar 1998). During 1982 to 1997 period, the species was collected from Silent Valley and Wayanad thus confirming their presence in India (Sathishkumar and Sureshkumar 1998). The latter authors could also locate reference of V. thwaitesii collected in 1885 from Mananthavady in Wayanad District of Kerala. As per reports, the species have distribution in 7 localities in Kerala. The species is described as distributed in narrow pockets with restricted numbers and later under section 38 of the Biological Diversity Act 2002, the Central Government notified that V. thwaitesii is on the verge of extinction and prohibited/regulated collection along with other 25 plant species from Western Ghats (Ministry on Environment and Forests, Government of India, 2009). The ministry also called for studies on all aspects of the notified species for holistic understanding and propagation of the species for the purpose of in situ and ex situ conservation and rehabilitation.

Habit of Vanda thwaitesii V. thwaitesii can be distinguished by its curved keeled leaves with flowers having deeply orange and creamy white lips with 8 deep orange lines. The flowers have sweet fragrance as that of Mimusops elengi.

Distribution It is an epiphytic orchid which is endemic to the Western Ghats in the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka at 500-1060m altitudes in moist deciduous to evergreen forests as per the reports (Sathishkumar et al., 1998).

Population information A detailed study have been made as part of a project supported by DBT during 2010-16 period (JNTBGRI, 2016) which revealed significant number of individuals are surviving in Wayanad and Idukki districts of Kerala. Out of the 1183 individuals scored from the 3 States, 625 were in Wayanadu. Only small populations could be observed in protected forests as Idukki Wildlife sanctuary (21), Periyar Tiger Reserve (70) and Silent Valley National Park. Fruit set and seedling recruitment are significant in Wayanadu but was negligible in Periyar Tiger Reserve.

Habit and Habitat V. thwaitesii is an epiphytic orchid, inhabiting mainly on Mangifera indica and rarely on Elaeocarpus tuberculatus as host at 500-1060m altitudes in moist deciduous to evergreen forests, as per the reports (Sathishkumar et al., 1998). Actually they used too inhabit diverse hosts common to moist deciduous to evergreen forests, like Mangifera indica, Gmelina arborea, Ficus religiosa, Tectona gandis, Dalbergia latifolia, Persea macrantha, Careya arborea and Dysoxylum malabaricum. Trees like Spathodea companulata, Artocarpus heterophyllus, and Pterocarpus. marsupium also serves as host in some localities.

Decline and threat Altogether 111 individuals of V. thwaitesii, 12.7% of the total scored (1183) was in protected forests and 145 individuals (16.5% of total) in Dalbergia plantations. Therefore, only 29.2% (256 Nos) of the total scored is under Kerala State Forest Department. The populations in Idukki WLS, Thirunelli (Begur Range, Wayanad North Division) and Periyar Tiger Reserve are safe and no special conservation action required. In other places in Wayanad, Coorg and Nilgiri districts 619 individuals (70.7% of the total) were observed along highways and inhabited land and thus are highly vulnerable to genetic loss. Therefore, their population with appreciable floral diversity is not safe in their native localities. Significant numbers of fruits (122) and new recruits were also observed but most of them were in the inhabited locations. Thus it is evident that there are no reproductive problems and seed germination exists. Therefore, habit destruction/fragmentation is the main reason for the population decline and spread of the species. Propagation of the diversity in inhabited land and reinforcement into safe localities are thus essential to conserve the entire genetic diversity of V.thwaitesii.

Conservation measures Seed culture, seedling production and reintroduction/reinforcement in addition of ex situ conservation at JNTBGRI have been adapted for its conservation. Mature capsules were collected from their native localities in Wayanadu, Coorg, Idukki Wildlife sanctuary and Periyar Tiger Reserve and seed cultured to produce seedlings. The seedlings co-cultured with a symbiotic fungus, hardened in a mist house followed by rearing in the nursery for 2-3years were used for restoration through reinforcement into native localities.

Reinforcement It is through tying of seedlings on natural hosts in the forests of Idukki WLS and Kuttiyamvayal in Wayanadu using polypropylene thread. In a few initial trials, a few plants were also tied using jute and coir but such material disintegrated before the establishment of the seedlings and thus not tried in the later trials. 68.4-95% seedlings survived after two years and 694 individuals could be established in different localities. One of the seedlings flowered and exhibited natural fruit set at Wayanad.

Restored seedlings of V. thwaitesii established at Idukki WLS

Ex situ Conservation In addition to the reinforcement trials into the native localities, an attempt of conservation introduction at JNTBGRI campus (180m altitude) was made by planting seedlings on native hosts as Careya arborea and Tectona grandis. Out of 296 seedlings planted at JNTBGRI campus in 2015, 135 survived the extreme dry condition in 2019 but only 104 numbers left with 35% survival when observed in June 2020. However, the growth was very slow and poor to consider the climatic condition at JNTBGRI conducive to V. thwaitesii.

3. Vanda wightii Rch.f.

Description Vanda wightii Rch.f. reported from India and Sri-Lanka is one among the 40 species of distributed in the Indo-Malayan region (Limansela el al., 2002). It is originally described by Raichenbach.f (1864) based on Robert Wight’s collection from Vaulyar and Palghatcherry (1849) and Thwaite’s collection from Sri Lanka (Satheeshkumar et al., 2006). It is supposed to be extinct as it has not been re-sighted in the wild ever since Wight’s collection (Limansela et al., 2002). Later during 2000-02 periods the species is re-collected from Belthangady and Subramanya in Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka; Nidiyanga in Kannur and Melattur near Palakkad district of Kerala (Satheeshkumar et al., 2006). The species is described as distributed in narrow pockets with restricted numbers and later under section 38 of the Biological Diversity Act 2002, the Central Government notified that V. wightii is on the verge of extinction and prohibited/regulated collection along with other 25 plant species from Western Ghats (Ministry on Environment and Forests, Government of India, 2009). The ministry also called for studies on all aspects of the notified species for holistic understanding and propagation of the species for the purpose of in situ and ex situ conservation and rehabilitation.

Habit of Vanda wightii

Distribution It is an epiphytic orchid which is endemic to the Western Ghats in the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka at 70-870m altitudes in tropical dry deciduous forests. In addition, later studies confirmed its presence in Goa and Idukki as well as Kasargod districts of Kerala. Our studies as part of a concluded project (JNTBGRI, 2016) revealed significant population of the species in Karadka forest section of Kasargod Forest division, Idukki WLS and Ponmudi dam area of Idukki forest division. Population information A detailed study have been made as part of a project supported by DBT during 2010-16 period (JNTBGRI, 2016) which revealed significant number of individuals are surviving in Kasargod and Idukki districts of Kerala. The highest number of individuals of V. wightii was scored in Kasargod district of Kerala where the plant used to inhabit trees in forest fragments. Out of the 6002 individuals scored from Kerala and Karnataka, 3886 were in Kasargod and 961 in Idukki. Small populations could be observed in inhabitant land and road side trees in Kannur (425), Palakkad (309), Malappuram (380) and Sullia (41). The populations in Kasargod and Idukki are mostly in protected forests. However, fruit set and seedling recruitment are negligible in all populations. Seedling recruitment was very rare. Therefore, habitat destruction and fragmentation seems to delimit spread of the species rather than genetic problems. However, the genetic diversity in the disturbed areas needs to be protected through appropriate restoration/ translocation programmes.

Habit and Habitat V. wightii is an epiphytic orchid, inhabiting on Ficus religiosa as host at 60-80m altitudes as per the reports (Sathishkumar et al., 2006). Our study (JNTBGRI 2016) revealed their distribution at altitudes extending to 870m inhabiting on diverse hosts common to deciduous forests, like Terminalia paniculata, T. elliptica, Strychnos nux-vomica, Mangifera indica, Ficus benghalensis, Tectona gandis, Dalbergia latifolia and Stereospermum colais. The dominant hosts are Strychnos nux-vomica, Tectona grandis and Terminalia paniculata However, 56% of the observed individuals were on two hosts viz., Terminalia paniculata (1333) and Srychnos nux-vomica (2178) where several groups of V. wightii could be observed in a single tree with the number in certain group, even exceeding 50. The hosts like Alsonia scholaris, Artocarpus heterophyllus, Dalbergia latifolia, Ficus benghalensis, Terminalia elliptica, Mangifera indica and Stereospermum colais also hold appreciable numbers of V. wightii plants. Decline and threat About 80% of the total scored population is in protected forests in Kasargod and Idukki. The populations in Idukki WLS and reserve forests around it accounting for 7% of total scored (less than 5% of total suitable area surveyed) are safe and do not require any conservation measures. The diversity in other localities in Kannur, Malappuram, Palakkad and Idukki districts were observed on road side trees, inhabited land and Teak plantations under Forest Department that are highly vulnerable to genetic loss. Their population with appreciable floral diversity is not safe in the native localities. The dominant populations in Kasargod are distributed in forest fragments surrounded by inhabitant land. Besides, the population is in small forest patches around lateraite rocky exposures and thus will be victim of reduced rain and consequent drought due to climatic change. The species growing on evergreen trees as Strychnos nux-vomica may survive but those on deciduous trees as Terminalia paniculata may struggle as experienced during our surveys. Fruit set and seedling recruitment are very much reduced. This factor coupled with habit destruction/fragmentation causes further population decline and spread of the species. Propagation of the species from diversity in the risky habitat and reinforcement into safe localities are thus essential to conserve the entire genetic diversity of V.wightii.

Conservation measures Significant populations of V. wightii left in Palakkad, Malappuram and Kannur districts in Kerala are in inhabited land. It is also distributed in protected forests in Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary and reserve forests in Idukki and Kasargod districts of Kerala. Therefore, fruits have been collected from different populations mainly focusing on inhabitant lands. Seedlings were produced, reared in the nursery in presence of symbiotic fungus for 2-3years and planted into their native locality in Idukki WLS where small population is still present, to enhance their genetic base (diversity) which is essential for their adaptability over changing environmental conditions. As an alternative method, to conserve them ex situ, a suitable habitat outside its native locality may be considered as conservation translocation/ introduction. We tried a few seedlings at JNTBGRI forests as T. paniculata, D. latifolia and T. grandis a few natural hosts of V. wightii are present in the campus and adults introduced and planted on their trunks acclimatized and exhibited luxuriant growth over 5year period

Reinforcement A total of 357 seedlings previously planted on dried bark of Terminalia paniculata were reinforced at Keezhukkanam of Idukki WLS by tying on the tree trunks using polypropylene thread. In the initial trials, a few plants were also tied using jute and coir but such material disintegrated before the establishment of the seedlings and thus not tried in the later trials. They showed 42.6% survival and thus 156 individuals survived after two years. The natural host plants as Dalbergia latifolia, Careya arborea, and Terminalia paniculata supported better growth compared to Tectona grandis.

Restored seedlings of V. wightii established at Idukki WLS

Ex situ Conservation In addition to the reinforcement trials, an attempt of conservation introduction at JNTBGRI campus (180m altitude) was made by planting on native hosts as Terminalia paniculata, Tectona grandis and Dalbergia latifolia. Out of 319 seedlings planted at JNTBGRI campus in 2015, 201 (63%) survived the extreme dry condition in 2019 and dry weather in 2020. This is satisfactory for such a species adapted to moist deciduous forests. V. wightii showed better growth on host as T. paniculata and Dalbergia latifolia compared to T. grandis used as host. Thus a viable population of V. wightii diversity could be established at JNTBGRI campus.

Vanda wightii introduced at JNTBGRI campus, after 5 years of growth 4. Eulophia cullenii (Wight) Bl.

Description Eulophia is a pantropical genus with 217 species (Kumar et al. 2011), represented by 24 species in India (Misra 2007). The tallest and most robust of these species is Eulophia flava (Lindl) JD Hook., which grows up to 1.4m tall. Each inflorescence bears around 25 large, fragrant, bright lemon-yellow flowers making it a species of significant ornamental value (Kumar and Rawat 2009). It is naturally distributed in China, India, Nepal, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam (Kumar et al. 2011; Shrivastava 2004). In India, E. flava is distributed in the lower parts of the Himalayas, Shivalik Hills, Central India, Eastern Ghats, and Western Ghats (Kumar et al. 2011; Rao et al. 2010) in tropical dry, deciduous forests at altitudes ranging from 120-900masl. It is listed as very rare, and in some cases it has only been re-collected after 50 years (Kumar and Rawat 2009). The plants collected from Western Ghats region of Kerala and Tamil Nadu are reported to be E. cullenii (Wight) Bl. due to their globose pollinia and differently shaped lip and viscidium (Sathish Kumar and Manilal 2004). However, recognition as a separate species was disputed by Govaerts (2003) due to the high degree of similarity to E. flava. Nevertheless, E. cullenii, is an exquisite, very rare, terrestrial orchid (CAMP 2001; Ravikumar and Ved 2000). Rhizomes from the species are used in traditional medicine to treat spider bites (CAMP, 2001) as for E. flava (Srivastava, 2004). It is also considered critically endangered regionally (Ravikumar and Ved 2000)

Eulophia cullenii-habit Distribution As per records, type locality of the species is in Chittavurai of Idukki District, Kerala and Palani Hills of Madhura district, Tamil Nadu. A few records from Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur and Wayanad district are also available. We could collect the species from different localities in both Peppara and Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Population information A detailed study have been made as part of a project supported by DBT during 2010- 16 period (JNTBGRI, 2016) which revealed significant number of individuals are surviving in both Peppara and Neyyar WLS. Intensive surveys made in Peppara and Neyyar Wild Life sanctuaries in addition to tribal hamlets inside the sanctuaries helped us to identify at least 9 locations where E. cullenii was growing. In spite of our surveys made in the peak flowering season, during April-May period, only 14 plants were observed on flowering. Mostly the identified populations were with 1-5 individuals but 2 populations possessed 19 and 33 individual including new recruits. Altogether, 307 individuals including new recruits could be located in the surveyed area of which 80% are in forests and 20% in tribal hamlets. Significant new recruits (90) observed indicate viable seed formation, even though fruit set observed only in one population during our surveys.

Habit and Habitat E. cullenii is a terrestrial orchid with lemon yellow flowers inhabiting dry deciduous forests, in grassland with small trees and humus rich soil. It perennates via condensed underground rhizomes. A rhizome is added every year and therefore a chain of rhizomes (up to 7) was observed during our field studies. This terrestrial orchid used to grow in association with Imberata cylindrica (L) a dominant grass and a few trees like Terminalia paniculata. Analysis of soil collected from different plant communities revealed that they grow at pH 5.4-6.2 and there is no specificity of micro or macro nutrients

Decline and threat Due to habitat loss, grazing, and overexploitation, natural populations within Kerala and Tamil Nadu are represented by less than 250 individuals, restricted to particular localities, and are highly vulnerable to continuous decline (CAMP 2001). The type localities are now tea plantations and isolated report from Thrissur is from Rubber Plantation. Populations in Palode also vanished. We could not confirm its status in Wayanad. Nevertheless, natural spread of the species is very low due to poor fruit set and seed germination in the disturbed natural habitats. It is evident from the study that the problems of natural regeneration combined with collection for domestication for medicinal and ornamental use caused decline of their population in the wild. Some of the populations in more accessible locations found vanished when revisited after 2-3 years. Even though we scored 307 individuals during 2010- 14 periods, at least 20% of the population appeared vanished during 2011-2015. Therefore, propagation of the species and making available to growers, in addition to population enhancement in the native localities through restoration is essential for their effective conservation. Conservation measures Fruits have been collected from two natural populations in Peppara WLS and those obtained through hand pollination in mother plants maintained at field conservatory of JNTBGRI have been used to raise seedlings. Seedlings were produced, reared in the nursery in potting mixture containing soil from natural forest to enter compatible fungus for 2-3years and planted into their native locality in Peppara WLS where small population is still present, to enhance their genetic base (diversity) which is essential for their adaptability over changing environmental conditions. A small population was also reintroduced into JNTBGRI forest which is a natural locality of the species, but disappeared from this locality during 1980-1990 periods.

Reinforcement/Reintroduction A total of 230 seedlings planted at tribal hamlets and grasslands of Peppara WLS and forest segment at JNTBGRI campus showed 82% survival after one year of planting but only 42% of them sprouted and carried over to the next season. However, 95% of the 5th generation seedlings planted in a forest floor at JNTBGRI campus survived and continued to the next generations.

Eulophia cullenii in the field conservatory of JNTBGRI Ex situ Conservation In addition to the reinforcement and re-introduction trials, about 500 plants are maintained in pots in a field conservatory. A few plants flowered after completing 8-9 generations (8-9years of growth in the field)

CONCLUSION The four case studies presented in this report represent examples of recent conservation studies on endangered orchids of south Western Ghats. The report clearly indicates the importance of restoration/ ex situ conservation of the mentioned orchids. However, the work is on experimental scale and the experience will be much beneficial for ecorestoration of those species to ensure their presence for future generations and to find economic value. Future orchid conservation programs should not only adopt the integrated conservation approach, but also utilize documented reintroduction techniques as the capstone for the conservation effort.

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