Bulbophyllum baculiferum

The collection area for this orchid falls very close to the Grasberg mine, a very large copper and gold open pit site. Mining commenced here in 1988 and there are large stockpiles of overburden and waste rock dumps adjacent to the c.3 km wide open cast area (Miller et al. 2006), although it is not certain whether populations of this orchid have been affected as the site is at higher altitudes than are known for this species. Little is known of its ecology and any specific threats that may be affecting it. For example, Nothofagus dieback is noted in the Lorentz National Park area (UNESCO 2017) and if this orchid is epiphytic on Nothofagus such loss of host trees would reduce available habitat. 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 was recorded close to the boundary of the Lorentz National Park (Papua Province, Indonesia), where extensive forests extend into the mountains and which is noted to be a globally significant large tract of intact tropical forest (UNESCO 2017), and it is suspected that it may be found within it. It is not known to be conserved ex situ (BGCI 2017). Surveys are needed to confirm the current distribution and population status and trends. Further research is needed, into the life history and ecology of this species, and to identify any specific threats and actions required.