Aerangis distincta

The species is threatened by deforestation, particularly slash and burn practices used to clear land for agricultural use. Habitat loss due to agricultural expansion is especially severe in riparian areas where the species is known to occur, as more people are clearing vegetation near streams and rivers. Being an epiphyte, the species is further impacted as its host plants are targeted for fuel wood, and the production of charcoal which is in high demand in Malawi. For example the subpopulation at Dzalanyama Forest Reserve is experiencing habitat degradation as a result of charcoal harvesting for the city of Lilongwe, while the one that occurs east of Mzuzu City is also highly likely to be declining due to charcoal and fuelwood collection.

There is a need to promote both in situ and ex situ conservation of this species. Additionally, research is needed to establish the current populations in the wild, determine its host species, and identify their threats. This species is known from five ex-situ collections based on the Botanic Garden Conservation International (BGCI) database (BGCI 2024). All orchid species are listed on CITES Appendix II.

This species was previously assessed as Endangered (EN A2d) (Msekandiana and Mlangeni 2002).