Ex-situ conservation of endangered native Thai orchids at Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden
1997
Weerachai Nanakorn
Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden was established in 1993 targeting to serve as a center for academic studies, research and render services concerning botanical knowledge as well as provide a place of beauty and valuable Thai flora, especially, a place to strengthen ex-situ conservation of plants and trees. At present, ex-situ conservation of endangered native Thai orchids is one of QBG's most active programs. Orchids are collected during field expedition to various parts of the country, correctly identified by orchidologist, then tie with labels. The living collection deposited at QBG's nurseries is now an important source to improve knowledge and research on the Thai orchid as well as to conserve the rare and endangered species. Several biotechnology techniques were employed to propagate the rare and endangered species to prevent them from being extinct. In Thailand, Orchidaceae is one of the largest families covering all kind of habitats and at different elevations with approximate total of 170 genera and 1230 species. Northern Thailand where QBG is located is rich in diversity of plant communities and is center of plant distribution of SE. The area has clearly shown the richness in native orchid species compared to neighboring regions. At present there are 85 genera and 330 species of the Thai native orchids deposited and well looked after at QBG. Sixty species are considered rare and 20 as endangered of which hardly find in natural habitats.
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