Abstract:

The biodiversity of low elevation portions of Nujiang Valley has largely been ignored. Here, we illustrate the biodiversity richness of this region using the orchid flora as an example. We investigated orchid species diversity in remnant forests at four sites below 1,600 m elevation along the Nujiang River. In total, at least 60 species in 33 genera were recorded at these four sites, including one species (Eria sp.) that is either undescribed or new to the Chinese flora, two locally endemic species (Trias verrucosa and Liparis rockii), and seven species not previously recorded in this region, i.e. Cypripedium sp., Gastrochilus calceolaris, Ornitochilus difformis, Taeniophyllum glandulosum, Bulbophyllum spathulatum, Tropidia curculigoides, and Epipactis royleana. Major threats to these orchids include habitat fragmentation and loss. Our results highlight the urgent need for field surveys of this region’s biodiversity. We present strategies to conserve biodiversity in this region.

Key words: biodiversity, conservation strategy, Hengduan Mountains, Nujiang River, orchid diversity, remnant primary forest