Orchid surveying with local volunteer.

The threatened epiphytic orchid species Renanthera imschootiana or Chin Thit- Khwa in Burmese is native to the Indo-Myanmar mega-biodiversity region, classified under Appendix I of CITES, and extremely rare in both India and Myanmar. This species can found on tree trunks, it has loosely many flowered inflorescence with semi orbicular floral bracts and long-lasting flowers.

Renanthera imschootiana blooming in the wild.

In Yat Sawk region this species is threatened due to indiscriminate collection and severe habitat loss from logging, forest clearance for agriculture and human encroachment upon wild areas. These factors affect many local species, of which Renanthera imschootiana is a recognisable flagship. More research into the status and distribution of this rare orchid is needed to assess its threat of extinction. The project duration is one year. Status surveys, records and classification of found orchid species will be carried out at least one time in each season (summer, rainy and cold season).

Environmental education programs in villages, setting posters, field trip with schoolchildren and investigation of orchid markets will carry out in mid project. Donation of seed pods and fresh orchid plants for in- vitro culture to laboratories and national parks, conducting orchid rehabilitation places in the villages, distributing the orchid propagation methods, broadcasting of talks about pollution, global warming and wildlife conservation as a series on radio, preparation and publishing the book - “Basic information of wildlife conservation” and will distribute free of charge to schools, universities, village libraries and other interested organizations.

The education programs will include instillation the knowledge of natural resource conservation, protection of this endangered species, orchid propagation methods, distribution of pamphlets, setting posters and demonstration and sharing the knowledge of wildlife conservation with videos (wildlife conservation DVDs).The pamphlet will design illustration of threatened orchid species; why and how to conserve them, the brief information of biodiversity conservation and these pamphlet will use in education programs in project site and will also distribute to the visitors of National Parks and Botanic Garden.