Cymbidiella flabellata, a terrestrial orchid endemic to Madagascar is known from the Eastern and Central parts of the island and occurs in eight Regions.

The species is known from 51 collections (27 occurrences) made between 1882 (Humblot 382) and 2019 (Razafindrakotosoa 24). The species is also recorded from 11 observations on the iNaturalist website with unknown georeferencing, thus they are not taken into in this assessment. Nine occurrences are recorded from six protected areas. In addition to these officially protected sites, one occurrence is recorded from the conservation zone surrounding the footprint of a mining project, which should be protected in the near future. Apart from these protected sites, one collection (one occurrence) was made within the footprint of a mining project that has undergone and is undergoing intense human pressure from forest clearing and this occurrence should now be considered as extirpated. Six occurrences were made in unprotected forests subject to selective logging, timber harvesting for small-scale subsistence use, and slash-and-burn practices (tavy), these occurrences should also be considered as either extirpated or expected to be extirpated in the near future. Moreover, 10 occurrences that are recorded from unprotected areas (Decary 10922, 10921, 10920, 10919; Humblot 382; Bosser 10447, 22099; Fosberg 52590; Keraudren 25013, 22099; Humbert 18046; Perrier 15029; Geay 7457 and Thompson s.n.) are facing forest clearing due to shifting agriculture, wildfire, forest degradation due to small scale-agriculture, along with wood harvesting for subsistence, and should be also considered as extirpated.

 Based on the IUCN Guidelines, the extent of occurrence (EOO) of C. flabellata is estimated as 116,924 km² (far exceeding the upper threshold for Vulnerable status under criterion B1) whereas its area of occupancy (AOO) is estimated at 68 km² (which falls within the limits for Endangered status under the criterion B2). The species is thus known from 16 existing and 11 extirpated occurrences. The 16 existing occurrences represent a total of 12 locations (sensu IUCN 2022) with respect to the most serious plausible threat: forest clearing due to mining activities and shifting agriculture. It is inferred that the loss of its habitat has and will induce a continuing decline in EOO, AOO, habitat extent and quality, the number of locations, and mature individuals. The species would have been assigned an NT status under criterion B. We also suspect a population reduction based on a 32% reduction of the AOO from 100 km² in 2010 to 68 km² in 2040 based on the loss of 11 occurrences of the species (one in the footprint of a mining project and 10 in unprotected forests) due to forest clearing and forest degradation, where the cause of reduction will not cease and may not be reversible based on a decline in AOO which lead to consider the species under a threatened category according to criterion A. Therefore Cymbidiella flabellata is assessed as VU A4c.

Cymbidiella flabellata, a terrestrial orchid endemic to Madagascar, is recorded from the central and eastern parts of the island, and occurs in eight Regions: Alaotra-Mangoro (Ambatovy, Andasibe, Andilamena), Analanjirofo (Ambohidena, Antanambaon'Ambodimanga, Pointe à Larrée, Soanerana Ivongo), Atsinanana (Nankinana, Nosive) in the formerly recognized Province of Toamasina, Anosy (Fort-Dauphin, Sainte Luce and Tsitongambarika) in the formerly recognized Province of Toliara, Diana (Androranga) and Sava (Loky Manambato) in the formerly recognized Province of Antsiranana, Atsimo-Atsinanana (Agnalazaha), and Vatovavy (Mananjary) in the formerly recognized Province of Fianarantsoa (Madagascar Catalogue 2022).

The population of Cymbidiella flabellata is currently thought to be decreasing since the species' habitat is threatened by forest clearing due to mining activities, and forest degradation by fire, small-scale agriculture, timber harvest, selective logging for subsistence use, and slash-and-burn agricultural practices. The number of mature individuals is not known and cannot be estimated.

Cymbidiella flabellata is a terrestrial herb growing in humid and subhumid forests, freshwater wetlands, on inselbergs, and in shrubland. The species is found in eastern and central Madagascar, between five and 1,500 m elevation (Madagascar Catalogue 2022).

One collection (one occurrence) was made in the footprint of a mining project undergoing intense human pressure from forest clearing and is considered as extirpated. Nine occurrences have been made in six protected areas: Analamazaotra National Park, Natural Resources Reserve of Agnalazaha, Ankarana Special Reserve, Harmonious Protected Landscape of Loky Manambato, Pointe à Larrée Special Reserve, Torotorofotsy Protected Area, and Natural Resource Reserve of Tsitongambarika Natural Forest. In addition to these officially protected sites, two collections (two occurrences) have been made in the conservation zone, surrounding the footprint of a mining project, which should be subject to protection in the near future. The five occurrences made in unprotected forests are subject to selective logging, timber harvesting for small-scale subsistence, and tavy (slash-and-burn farming). Moreover, 10 occurrences recorded from unprotected areas (Decary 10922, 10921, 10920, 10919; Humblot 382; Bosser 10447, 22099; Fosberg 52590; Keraudren 25013, 22099; Humbert 18046; Perrier 15029; Geay 7457 and Thompson s.n.) are facing forest clearing due to shifting agriculture, wildfires and forest degradation due to small scale agriculture, along with wood harvesting for subsistence use, and should be also considered as extirpated and should be also considered as extirpated.

The species has an ornamental value and is collected in the field for horticultural purposes and trade.

Nine occurrences of the species are situated within six protected areas: Analamazaotra National Park, Natural Resources Reserve of Agnalazaha, Ankarana Special Reserve, Harmonious Protected Landscape of Loky Manambato, Pointe à Larrée Special Reserve, and Natural Resource Reserve of Tsitongambarika Natural Forest. The species is also currently listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) but should be moved to Appendix I.

Ex situ conservation is recommended (micro-propagation, seed banking, and living collections). Cymbidiella flabellata should be included in the list of protected species of Madagascar. Further awareness building is recommended for local communities and national authorities.