On the distribution and conservation of Sievekingia hirtzii Waldvogel (Orchidaceae, Stanhopeinae): first records from Colombia

Abstract

We newly report two populations of the orchid Sievekingia hirtzii in the Andean–Amazonian foothills of Caquetá, Colombia. Following the B criterion of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, we propose the categorization of this species as Endangered, due to its small Area of Occupancy and Extent of Occur-rence, the limited number of populations, and habitat fragmentation and degradation caused by the expansion of agriculture. Additionally, we propose actions for in situ and ex situ conservation of this orchid, including habitat protection and cultivation in botanical gardens.

Keywords

• Andes
• Amazonia
• Caquetá
• foothills
• risk of extin