Nearly extinct orchids found in resort area<\/p>\n
Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor<\/p>\n
A team of scientists comprising researchers from the National
\nInstitute of Sciences (LIPI) and the Natural Resources
\nConservation Center (BKSDA) in Bogor have found a surviving group
\nof a nearly extinct orchid species endemic to Java.<\/p>\n
Around 50 of the terrestrial orchids (Paphiopedilum javanicum)
\nwere found growing in the vicinity of Telaga Warna lake, a
\npopular resort area, in Puncak.<\/p>\n
Officials from the BKSDA, who manage the lake area, and the
\nLIPI researchers, who are currently working in the Cibodas and
\nBogor Botanical Parks, were recording orchid species around the
\nlake in August when they spotted the endangered plants.<\/p>\n
\"In previous investigations of the habitats of endemic flora
\nin the vicinities of Mount Salak, Mount Gede Pangrango, and Mount
\nCakrabuana in Sumedang, West Java, no one ever discovered this
\nparticular species growing,\" Cibodas Botanical Park director
\nHolif Imanudin told The Jakarta Post on Thursday.<\/p>\n
\"We're really happy to find these orchids at the lake ... The
\nlake and its environs should be turned into a conservation area,\"
\nhe added.<\/p>\n
However, Holif expressed concern that the uncontrolled
\ndevelopment of tourism in Puncak would affect the local ecology
\nand further endanger local flora and fauna, many types of which
\nhad never been recorded.<\/p>\n
\"This orchid is a national asset and very valuable to
\nscience ... I hope every one of us realizes this and protects the
\nenvironment for the good of us all,\" he stressed.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/nearly-extinct-orchids-found-in-resort-area-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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