| A study of orchids was carried out in a cloud forest in southeastern Peru, in the department of Cusco, between September 2005 and August 2006. A systematic collection found 239 different morphospecies of orchids which was compared to those found at two similar areas, Manu National Park and Machu Picchu Historical Society. A set of 47 plots were set up and monitored for orchid diversity, abundance, and phenology of the area. Based on habit (epiphytic or terrestrial), the number of species varied among habitats. Orchids were shown to be flowering at all times of the year with some species being rarer. Flowering times of the orchids were maximized in times of high precipitation levels (February). Recommendations are made for future research, including study length and design. A potential protocol for orchid conservation is also described, with attention to size of a reserve to include multiple variables. |
