Barbosella geminata

The Talamanca Montane Forests ecoregion, where this species occurs, is one of the most intact in Central America. However, forest clearance for timber, agriculture and pastures has begun to change the unprotected habitat (WWF 2001). Threats potentially exist from inappropriate collection of wild orchids, although the extent of illegal wild orchid trade is not known. Isolated mountain reserves have the potential to make their populations vulnerable to genetic degradation. and cloud forests are thought to be particularly sensitive to climate change (Pounds 1999).

Costa Rica is considered a world leader in orchid conservation. Costa Rican law declared inviolate 10.27% of land; an additional 17% is legally set aside as forest reserves, and the National Conservation Areas System (SINAC) protects more than 186 areas (Baker 2008). Collections of this species have also been made in Panama to the south in the Province of Chiriqui, with one collection taken in 1978 from the area of the 35,000 ha Volcano Baru National Park where the flora is Costa Rican. At least 40% of the Talamanca Montane Forest ecoregion where this species occurs is under strict protection (WWF 2001), in national parks such as the La Amistad and Chirripó where this species has been recorded. It is recommended that seeds are collected and stored as part of ex situ conservation measures. This species is listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna to prevent trade incompatible with species survival in the wild (CITES 2009). It is listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants as Vulnerable (Walter and Gillett 1997).