Bulbophyllum alveatum

Satellite imagery suggests that at higher elevations much forest remains, but at lower elevations forest cover is less continuous, possibly as a result of shifting cultivation or logging activity.  Considerable clearing has occurred in inter-montane valleys and montane valleys below 2,400 m where human populations are higher and Nothofagus forest, a habitat for this species, has been cleared for gardens as they expand to higher altitudes (Read and Hope 1996). The Central Highlands and Owen Stanley Ranges, to the north and south of the known localities of this species, have suffered only small amounts of commercial logging, due mainly to the inaccessibility of the rugged, mountainous, terrain (Shearman and Bryan 2011), although, in a study by Shearman et al. (2008) the Owen Stanley Ranges are included in a list of mountain ranges that have suffered large losses of montane forest. In areas of Southeastern Papua cyclones have also been known to flatten areas of rainforest and landslides, sometimes triggered by earthquakes, can also lead to loss of vegetation. Extensive damage to upper montane forest can also be caused by exceptional frost events, which are sometimes associated with droughts (Johns 1989). In addition, fire is a threat to habitats, particularly in dry years, for example, in the Finisterre Ranges large areas were deforested as a result of fires, probably during the El Niño period of 1997-1998 (Shrearman and Bryan 2011). Droughts associated with El Niño and global warming impacts are becoming more frequent and severe (Shearman et al. 2008). Although forests may recover, in high altitude valleys there is evidence of trees being killed by fire spreading up from grasslands in the valley bottoms, which may result in permanent conversion of forest to grasslands (Filer et al. 2009) and there is a low frequency and diversity of epiphytic plants in many forests known to have been burned (Johns 1989). The impact of drought itself may also cause decline in orchid populations (E. De Vogel pers. comm. 2017). Epiphytes are generally sensitive to disturbance and microclimate and secondary vegetation may not offer the diversity of sites available in old growth forest, although isolated remnant trees may form nuclei for recolonization in secondary forest (Hietz 1997). However, this orchid is noted to be a species of primary forests (Vermeulen 1993). The Owen Stanley ranges, and possibly other montane forests, may face a future threat from logging and local mining operations (Wearing et al. undated). Species of the genus Bulbophyllum can be in demand for cultivation and may be targeted by orchid collectors, particularly as improvements in air transport have allowed other orchids from remote areas, such as the Highlands of New Guinea, to reach nurseries, for example in the U.S.A. within a few days of their collection from the wild (Cribb 1983) and collection from the wild is a potential threat to this species.

This orchid is not known to have been found within any protected area although there are proposals to make the Owen Stanley Ranges a UNESCO world heritage site, as many natural systems are in good condition and human population density is generally low. Such a listing would support effective management and address threats from logging and mining proposals (UNESCO 2006). It has been cultivated in Leiden Botanic Garden, but no ex situ sites are recorded by BGCI (2017). Research is needed to provide information about the biology and ecology of this orchid and about any specific threats that may be affecting it. Surveys are needed to establish the current population and the population status and trends.