Analysis of the decline and reintroduction of the lady's slipper orchid (Cypripedium calceolus)

The lady's slipper orchid (Cypripedium calceolus) is an orchid species that is protected under Annexes II and IV of the Habitats Directive and is therefore considered endangered throughout Europe. At the same time, the plant is virtually the flagship species of native orchids. The CypriPlus project aims to investigate the sharp decline of this species in recent decades, particularly in the Vienna Woods Biosphere Reserve and the southern Weinviertel region, by means of site analyses. The investigations include the recording of microclimate data series using sensors, soil samples to detect any mycorrhizal fungi, and pollinator monitoring at selected locations in Austria. The focus is on the greater Vienna area, although some alpine occurrences will also be examined for the above-mentioned parameters. The project team consists of employees of the Austrian Orchid Protection Network (ÖON), BFW, BOKU university and experienced gardeners from botanical gardens in Vienna and The lady's slipper orchid (Cypripedium calceolus) is an orchid species that is protected under Annexes II and IV of the Habitats Directive and is therefore considered endangered throughout Europe. At the same time, the plant is virtually the flagship species of native orchids. The CypriPlus project aims to investigate the sharp decline of this species in recent decades, particularly in the Vienna Woods Biosphere Reserve and the southern Weinviertel region, by means of site analyses. The investigations include the recording of microclimate data series using sensors, soil samples to detect any mycorrhizal fungi, and pollinator monitoring at selected locations in Austria. The focus is on the greater Vienna area, although some alpine occurrences will also be examined for the above-mentioned parameters. The project team consists of employees of the Austrian Orchid Protection Network (ÖON), the BFW, the BOKU university and experienced gardeners from botanical gardens in Vienna and Carl-Friedrich von Siemens Stiftung. The pollinator monitoring sub-project is based at the Boku. The pollinator monitoring sub-project is based at the Boku.