A new orchid has been discovered by TBA Alumni Association of Kenya researchers. The previously unknown Habenaria species was found during a study of orchids in Kericho Forest, Kenya — carried out between September 2013 and March 2014. The findings, which included a further 18 species in nine genera were published in the Advances in Research, ISSN: 2348-0394,Vol.: 2, Issue.: 8 (August 2014)
The study which aimed to assess distribution and status of orchids as well as local communities’ participation in conservation efforts also found that the orchids were threatened by logging, charcoal production, conversion of forest land for agricultural use and quarrying activities in the forest. The research team, led by Fanuel Kawaka have made recommendations on minimizing loss and fragmentation of orchid habitats particularly the destruction of the moist forest habitats, host and associated indigenous plants. Read more
