Orchid diversity at Cuetzalan del Progreso, Puebla, Mexico – anthropogenic threats and potential for organic production for conservation purposes

Abstract

The orchid flora of Puebla State represents 16% of the total species present in Mexico demonstrating rich biodiversity. However, several municipalities in the north-east of Puebla area are located within a conservation priority area for its tropical montane cloud forest and tropical rain forest due to decision of the Comisión Nacional para el Conocimiento y el Uso de la Biodiversidad of Mexico. We have recorded 93 species from Cuetzalan del Progreso with 25 new records of the flora of the state. These new dditions thereby currently increase the orchid flora of Puebla to 197 species. Of these, six species are classified as threatened, three as subject to special protection by the NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010 and one classified as least concern by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Moreover, we recorded 37 species illegally traded in “tianguis” (informal markets) of Cuetzalan del Progreso. The orchid diversity in the fragmented forests can be harnessed in establishing a model for the sustainable management and to promote conservation action f species at some level of threat and in the restoration of areas with fragmented forests. Unfortunately, the orchid diversity has been seriously endangered by several anthropogenic factors. We have also recorded significant anthropogenic threats in this municipality for the long-term existence of the local orchid members and species with potential for commercial production. A viable approach will be to allow the introduction of in vitro germination program and organic production of orchids by local and fringe communities; this will reduce inhabitants’ dependence on the scarce forest resources, lessen illegal harvesting and trafficking of wild orchids, and at the same time provide economic development for the local communities.