A new orchid species, named Specklinia bretaiiense, has been discovered in the Loreto region of Peru, highlighting both the biodiversity of the Amazon and the environmental challenges it faces. This significant find was made during a biodiversity monitoring program by the oil company PetroTal in the district of Puinahua, amidst ongoing concerns over the impact of oil extraction on local ecosystems.
The new species was introduced at the III Peruvian Congress of Orchidology, emphasizing the need for research in conservation efforts for Amazonian flora. Peru is home to approximately 3,000 orchid species, many of which are endemic, with over 300 facing extinction.
This discovery underscores the critical importance of documenting and cataloging new species in the Amazon, where numerous plants remain unknown to science. The orchid belongs to the genus Specklinia, adapted to the region's unique environmental conditions.
PetroTal, while facing scrutiny for environmental impacts, is working to implement policies aimed at minimizing harm to local biodiversity. Their biodiversity monitoring program has previously led to the sighting of the Thamnophilus praecox, or Batará de cocha, in 2022.
Meanwhile, in Brazil, the Cerrado biome is under threat from fires and urban expansion, with researchers noting the urgent need to preserve its unique flora. The Embrapa research team is actively working to collect and conserve seeds of endangered species, including the endemic Jacaranda intricata, which has faced significant habitat loss this year due to wildfires.
With over 68% of natural vegetation lost in areas like Cristalina, the efforts to protect and restore native plant species are crucial for maintaining biodiversity in the Cerrado, which boasts a rich variety of over 12,000 species.