Ryan D Phillips1,2,3, Noushka Reiter3,4, Rod Peakall3. 1. Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. 2. Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions, Kings Park, WA, Australia. 3. Ecology and Evolution, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia. 4. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Corner of Ballarto Road and Botanic Drive, Cranbourne, VIC, Australia.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Given the exceptional diversity of orchids (26,000+ species), improving strategies for the conservation of orchids will benefit a vast number of taxa. Furthermore, with rapidly increasing numbers of endangered orchids, and low success rates in orchid conservation translocation programs worldwide, it is evident that our progress in understanding the biology of orchids is not yet translating into widespread effective conservation. SCOPE: We highlight unusual aspects of the reproductive biology of orchids that can have important consequences for conservation programs such as specialisation of pollination systems, low fruit set but high seed production, and the potential for long-distance seed dispersal. Further, we discuss the importance of their reliance on mycorrhizal fungi for germination, including quantifying the incidence of specialised versus generalised mycorrhizal associations in orchids. In light of leading conservation theory and the biology of orchids, we provide recommendations for improving population management and translocation programs. CONCLUSIONS: Major gains in orchid conservation can be achieved by incorporating knowledge of ecological interactions, for both generalist and specialist species. For example, habitat management can be tailored to maintain pollinator populations, and conservation translocation sites selected based on confirmed availability of pollinators. Similarly, use of efficacious mycorrhizal fungi in propagation will increase the value of ex-situ collections, and likely increase the success of conservation translocations. Given the low genetic differentiation between populations of many orchids, experimental genetic mixing is an option to increase fitness of small populations, although caution is needed where cytotypes or floral ecotypes are present. Combining demographic data and field experiments will provide knowledge to enhance management and translocation success. Finally, high per-fruit fecundity means that orchids offer powerful but overlooked opportunities to propagate plants for experiments aimed at improving conservation outcomes. Given the uncertainty of future environmental change, experimental approaches also offer powerful ways to build more resilient populations.
BACKGROUND: Given the exceptional diversity of orchids (26,000+ species), improving strategies for the conservation of orchids will benefit a vast number of taxa. Furthermore, with rapidly increasing numbers of endangered orchids, and low success rates in orchid conservation translocation programs worldwide, it is evident that our progress in understanding the biology of orchids is not yet translating into widespread effective conservation. SCOPE: We highlight unusual aspects of the reproductive biology of orchids that can have important consequences for conservation programs such as specialisation of pollination systems, low fruit set but high seed production, and the potential for long-distance seed dispersal. Further, we discuss the importance of their reliance on mycorrhizal fungi for germination, including quantifying the incidence of specialised versus generalised mycorrhizal associations in orchids. In light of leading conservation theory and the biology of orchids, we provide recommendations for improving population management and translocation programs. CONCLUSIONS: Major gains in orchid conservation can be achieved by incorporating knowledge of ecological interactions, for both generalist and specialist species. For example, habitat management can be tailored to maintain pollinator populations, and conservation translocation sites selected based on confirmed availability of pollinators. Similarly, use of efficacious mycorrhizal fungi in propagation will increase the value of ex-situ collections, and likely increase the success of conservation translocations. Given the low genetic differentiation between populations of many orchids, experimental genetic mixing is an option to increase fitness of small populations, although caution is needed where cytotypes or floral ecotypes are present. Combining demographic data and field experiments will provide knowledge to enhance management and translocation success. Finally, high per-fruit fecundity means that orchids offer powerful but overlooked opportunities to propagate plants for experiments aimed at improving conservation outcomes. Given the uncertainty of future environmental change, experimental approaches also offer powerful ways to build more resilient populations.