Diversity and conservation strategies of wild Orchidaceae species in the West Rif region (northern Morocco)

The Rif Mountains of Morocco are rich in vascular plant species, particularly in species of the Orchidaceae family, and are considered one of the biodiversity hotspots of the Mediterranean region. To date, the diversity, distribution and threats to the Orchidaceae of the Western Rif have been little studied. The objectives of this study were to make an inventory of Orchidaceae species diversity, to assess human activities and ecological factors affecting the distribution and in situ conservation of Orchidaceae in the West Rif, and to prioritise conservation efforts. A total of 53 sites were surveyed during the growing and flowering seasons of Orchidaceae in the study area. During this study, 25 species and subspecies of the Orchidaceae family were recorded. The genus Ophrys was the most diverse of the seven Orchidaceae genera recorded during this study. However, the most abundant species was Serapias parviflora Parl. Four new taxa (Ophrys phryganae Devillers-Tersch. & Devillers, Ophrys sicula Tineo, Ophrys tenthredinifera subsp. grandiflora (Ten.) Kreutz and Ophrys villosa Desf.) were recorded for the first time in Morocco during this study. In the West Rif region, the main threats to Orchidaceae species are the cultivation of annual crops, deliberate fires, livestock grazing, harvesting of terrestrial plants, road construction, recreational activities, urban development, solid waste disposal, timber harvesting and expansion of tree plantations. The results of this study provide recommendations for the ex situ and in situ conservation of Orchidaceae species at national and regional levels.