The importance of forests in the conservation and prevalence of orchids in Megamexico The importance of forests in the conservation and prevalence of orchids in Megamexico

Abstract

In Megamexico the humid forests of the mountain ranges are home to an impressive wealth of orchids, where the epiphytic life forms are significantly more numerous than the terrestrial ones. However, these ecosystems are the most threatened due to anthropogenic activities. In the present, the threats that the forests receive and the repercussions that these imply for the maintenance and conservation of orchids in their natural habitat are described. With the constant threats that forests receive, for example, deforestation, arson fires, changes in land use, etc., epiphytic orchids are the most threatened due to the loss of their habitat and the ecological requirements they need to be able to persist. It is concluded that forest conservation is vital for the maintenance and conservation of orchids, so that in this way, genetic diversity, and ecological interactions between orchid species with other organisms are maintained.