Papua's orchids face extinction

Papua's orchids face extinction

JAYAPURA, Papua: The 2,770 orchid species found in Papua are
in danger of extinction because of rampant theft, says Papua
Governor Jaap Solossa.

"Illegal hunters are looting these beautiful orchid species
from the vast forests in the province. We need an orchid seedling
plantation to prevent the protected species from disappearing,"
he said when opening an orchid exhibit here on Tuesday.

He said the wholesale felling of trees in industrial forests
also contributed to the decreasing number of orchid species in
the province.

Many of Papua's orchid species are known worldwide because of
their unique forms and colors.

Papuan Orchid Association (PAI) chairwoman Regina Karma said
her association was trying to empower locals to farm orchids to
improve their welfare.

"Besides running several plantations, PAI also supplies
orchids from locals for export," she said. --JP