Bulbophyllum lichenophylax, an epiphytic tiny orchid endemic to Madagascar, is known from humid and subhumid forests on moss and lichen-covered trees, at elevations of 784–2,000 m.

The species is known from 20 collections made between 1923 (Perrier de la Bâthie 15305 and 15328) and 2011 (Ramahenina 49), and by two iNaturalist observations (Rakotoarisoa January 2016, Rajaovelona April 2016). The two iNaturalist observations from Alaotra-Mangoro Region and two spirit collections from plants cultivated at the Botanical and Zoological Park of Tsimbazaza (PBZT), without accurate locality information, were not taken into account for this assessment. Seven spirit collections among the 18 remaining collections, representing three occurrences, have been made in the footprint of the mining project undergoing intense human pressure such as forest clearing, and are now considered as extirpated. One collection (Bosser 16170) representing one occurrence, has been recorded in unprotected forest along the road Moramanga-Anosibe and should likewise be considered as extirpated or as likely to be extirpated in the near future due to forest degradation from small scale logging, wood harvesting for subsistence, and slash-and-burn agriculture (tavy). Six collections representing five occurrences have been recorded within five protected areas. Two collections (two occurrences) of the species have also been made in the Conservation Zone surrounding the footprint of a mining project, which would be subject to protection in the near future. Two collections (two occurrences) have been recorded in unprotected forests (Mandraka and Madiorano) and they are facing forest degradation due to small scale logging, wood harvesting for subsistence use and slash-and-burn agriculture (tavy). Finally, the species is known from nine existing occurrences representing eight subpopulations, and four extirpated occurrences.

The extent of occurrence (EOO) of the species is estimated at 48,161 km², exceeding the upper threshold for Vulnerable status under criterion B1 whereas its minimal area of occupancy (AOO) is estimated to be 32 km², falling within the limits for Endangered status under criterion B2. The nine existing occurrences represent a total of eight locations (sensu IUCN 2022) with respect to the most serious plausible threats, forest clearing due to mining activities. We inferred that this situation lead or will lead to a continuing decline in the EOO, the AOO, the habitat quality, the number of subpopulations and the number of mature individuals of the species. Therefore, B. lichenophylax is assigned as status of Vulnerable; VU B2ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v).

Bulbophyllum lichenophylax is endemic to Madagascar, where it occurs in five regions: the Alaotra-Mangoro and Analanjirofo (Ambatovy, Anosibe An'ala, Lakato, Madiorano, Mantadia National Park) in the formerly recognized Province of Toamasina, the Analamanga (Anjozorobe-Angavo complex Protected Harmonious Landscape and Mandraka) in the formerly recognized Province of Antananarivo and the Diana and SAVA (Marojejy National Park and Tsaratanana Strict Nature Reserve) in the formerly recognized Province of Antsiranana (Madagascar Catalogue 2022).

The population of Bulbophyllum lichenophylax is currently thought to be decreasing since its habitat is threatened by forest degradation due to selective logging, wood collection for small-scale subsistence and slash-and-burn agricultural practices (tavy), and by forest destruction due to mining activities. The number of mature individuals of the species is not known and cannot be estimated since the species is an epiphytic plant on the trunk of trees.

The species is an epiphytic tiny orchid that grows on moss and lichen-covered trees at 1.5 m high, in humid and subhumid forests at elevations of 784–2,000 m. At the mining site, it was collected on the crust, in Erica woodland (Stévart 3948). It has been recorded in flower in September and December to August (Madagascar Catalogue 2022).

Two collections representing two occurrences that have been recorded in unprotected forests (Mandraka and Madiorano) are threatened by the degradation and or loss of the species habitat due to small scale logging, wood harvesting for subsistence, and slash-and-burn agriculture (tavy). Two collections (two occurrences) made in the Conservation Zone surrounding the footprint of a mining project undergoing intense human pressure such as forest clearing are threatened by the indirect impact of the mining activities. Despite the presence of the species within protected areas (five occurrences), the species is threatened by habitat degradation due to illegal logging and wood harvesting. We infer that the degradation of the extent and the habitat quality of the species due to these threats, has and will induce a continuous decline in its EOO, AOO, the habitat quality, the number of subpopulations, and the number of the mature individuals.

There is no use or trade information for this species, but it may be sought after by specialist collectors.

Five occurrences of the species occur within five protected areas: the Ankeniheny-Zahamena corridor (CAZ - Main parcel) Natural Resources Reserve (one occurrence), the Anjozorobe-Angavo complex Protected Harmonious Landscape (one occurrence), the Mantadia National Park (one occurrence), the Marojejy National Park (one occurrence), and the Tsaratanana Strict Nature Reserve (one occurrence). Two occurrences (two collections) have also been made in the Conservation Zone surrounding the footprint of a mining project undergoing intense human pressure such as forest clearing. This zone should be protected in the near future. The species is listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). It has been brought to cultivation at the Ambatovy and Tsimbazaza shade houses. Seed banking must be developed for the species. Further awareness building is recommended for local communities and national authorities.