Abstract:

Background: The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is a legally binding international agreement that regulate trade in endangered species and plays a crucial role in global conservation efforts. Its Appendices provide the fundamental framework for implementation and enforcement of member parties. Orchidaceae, the group with the largest number of species listed in the CITES Appendices, is of great importance in ornamental, medicinal, and horticultural markets worldwide and serves as a key indicator for evaluating the effectiveness of plant trade regulation. As one of the most biodiverse countries, China is extremely rich in orchid resources, but faces severe conservation pressure due to habitat fragmentation, over-collection of resources and increasing trade demand. 

Review Results: This review examines the status of orchid documentation and conservation in China, provides the updated checklist of Orchidaceae species ranged in China, showcasing the role of taxonomy in informing CITES updates and supporting its implementation. It summarizes China’s major achievements in implementing CITES obligations, while emphasizing persistent challenges, including continued habitat degradation and illegal trade. 

Recommendations: To provide references for the protection of orchids in China under the framework of CITES, we recommend the establishment of a rapid update mechanism and an open-accessed species identification platform, advancing digitalized monitoring and traceability systems.

Key words: CITES Appendices, checklist, international trade, orchids, species conservation