[PCA] Invasion of the Orchid Snatchers

[Patricia_DeAngelis at fws.gov]

The attached article describes several of the issues that concern our 
office on a daily basis when it comes to implementing the Convention on 
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). 
 Like most pieces written for a public audience, some points are 
oversimiplified, overstereotyped, or overdramatized. But, it provides a 
cross-section of the complexities concerning sustainable use and 
conservation of orchids.



The Smithsonian Institution's Thomas Mirenda gives an excellent talk on 
the consequences that orchid smuggling has had on species conservation for 
Phragmipedium kovachii (which was illegally imported into the United 
States) and Paphiopedilum vietnamense (which was legally imported into the 
United States) - both species are mentioned in this article.

Patricia S. De Angelis, Ph.D.
Botanist - Division of Scientific Authority - CITES 
Chair - Medicinal Plant Working Group - Plant Conservation Alliance
US Fish & Wildlife Service
4401 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 110
Arlington, VA  22203
703-358-1708 x1753
FAX: 703-358-2276

Promoting sustainable use and conservation of our native medicinal plants.
<www.nps.gov/plants/medicinal>


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