Protected Areas Important for the conservation of Disa engleriana, an
edible orchid in Malawi
Abstract
Edible orchids are increasingly threatened by unsustainable use in their
natural habitats. Several studies highlight the need for propagation to
counter this threat. However, a critical gap persists in understanding
the environmental conditions that support these species in Malawi. This
study aimed to identify potential habitats suitable for propagating
edible orchids, focusing on Disa engleriana, to enhance ex-situ
conservation efforts. Present and future environmental data were sourced
from WorldClim. Species occurrence data was obtained during field
surveys and existing dataset. Using MaxEnt, continuous habitat
suitability for D. engleriana was modeled based on presence-only
occurrence data, Bioclim variables, and elevation. The integration of
ArcGIS allowed for a detailed analysis, reclassifying the continuous
suitability map into suitable and unsuitable habitats. The results of
the study show the most suitable habitats align with the boundaries of
protected areas, emphasizing their critical importance in conservation
planning. Majority of orchid harvesters live near these protected areas,
therefore, engaging them in propagation trials becomes a strategic step
toward conservation. The study found that suitable habitats for D.
engleriana are typically at altitudes between 1500 and 1600 meters, with
temperatures not exceeding 15°C during the wettest months. In addition,
the results also revealed the negative impact of climate change on
habitat suitability, projecting a decrease in suitable areas over the
next 50 years. This study addresses a significant knowledge gap and
provides valuable insights to guide conservation strategies for D.
engleriana.