Blessings Chingagwe

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Edible orchids are increasingly threatened by unsustainable use in their natural habitats. Several studies highlight the need for propagation to counter this threat. However, a critical gap persists in understanding the environmental conditions that support these species in Malawi. This study aimed to identify potential habitats suitable for propagating edible orchids, focusing on Disa engleriana, to enhance ex-situ conservation efforts. Present and future environmental data were sourced from WorldClim. Species occurrence data was obtained during field surveys and existing dataset. Using MaxEnt, continuous habitat suitability for D. engleriana was modeled based on presence-only occurrence data, Bioclim variables, and elevation. The integration of ArcGIS allowed for a detailed analysis, reclassifying the continuous suitability map into suitable and unsuitable habitats. The results of the study show the most suitable habitats align with the boundaries of protected areas, emphasizing their critical importance in conservation planning. Majority of orchid harvesters live near these protected areas, therefore, engaging them in propagation trials becomes a strategic step toward conservation. The study found that suitable habitats for D. engleriana are typically at altitudes between 1500 and 1600 meters, with temperatures not exceeding 15°C during the wettest months. In addition, the results also revealed the negative impact of climate change on habitat suitability, projecting a decrease in suitable areas over the next 50 years. This study addresses a significant knowledge gap and provides valuable insights to guide conservation strategies for D. engleriana.