European regional assessment: Near Threatened (NT)
EU 27 regional assessment: Near Threatened (NT)

Dactylorhiza baumanniana is endemic to Bulgaria and Greece, quite local and somewhat abundant. The distribution of the species appears in small isolated populations. The population trend is decreasing due to soil drainage, tourist development, reservoir construction and weather conditions.

The area of occupancy of the species is 55 km² but there is currently no evidence for the number of locations or if the populations are severely fragmented. Therefore, Dactylorhiza baumanniana is assessed as Near Threatened approaching Criterion B2ab(ii,iii,v).

This orchid is endemic to the Balkans and is found in Bulgaria and Greece. Dactylorhiza baumanniana is has been recorded throughout the Pindus Mountains and from one site in the Peloponnese. It also occurs in southern Bulgaria and probably grows in other mountain ranges of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. This species is found from 1,000 - 1,800 m altitude. (Phitos et al. 1995, Delforge 1995). The area of occupancy is estimated at 55 km².

Dactylorhiza baumanniana is quite local and somewhat abundant where it occurs. The population number and size is declining (Delforge 1995).

Dactylorhiza baumanniana is typically found in marshy hollows, stream banks and seepages. It grows in damp to cool, acid to neutral soils in full sun to semi-shade. The flowering time is from June to July (Phitos et al. 1995, Delforge 1995).

The habitat of Dactylorhiza baumanniana has been changed for the worst recently through soil drainage, tourist development, reservoir construction, intensive grazing and insufficient water supply to the wet meadows as well as pollution. Within the genus Dactylorhiza the tendency of hybridization is enormous. Therefore, Dactylorhiza baumanniana is threatened by extensive hybridization with other taxa of the genus (Phitos et al. 1995, Delforge 1995).

The tuber is very nutritious when cooked. It is a potential source of 'salep', a fine white to yellowish-white powder that is obtained by drying the tuber and grinding it into a powder. Salep is a starch-like substance which can be made into a drink, added to cereals or to bread. It can be prepared in the same way as arrowroot. A jelly can be made from the salep which is used to treat irritations of the gastro-intestinal canal (Plants For a Future 2010).

All orchid species are included under Annex B of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Dactylorhiza baumanniana can be protected by:

• Protection of the species natural habitats by the supply of enough water and the habitat should be mowed in the autumn.
• The habitat should be kept open and enlarged by clearing.
• Ensure enough water supply to the wet meadows.
• Set up nature reserves and establish a centre for nature preservation, to enable long-standing scientific research and population control.
• Protection of the living individuals through legislation which bans the species from being picked or dug up.
• Ex situ conservation: Artificial propagation, re-introduction, seed collections.
• Monitoring the existing populations and sites.
• Estimate the population size and study their dynamics.