Bulbophyllum insolitum, an epiphytic orchid endemic to the Madagascar humid and subhumid forests, is occurring from three regions, between 588 and 1,147 m elevation.

The species is known from eight collections made between 1930 (Jardin Botanique Tananarive 1405) and 2019 (Razafindrakotosoa et al. 2) and two iNaturalist recent observations in southeastern Madagascar ( Rajaovelona 2014 and Rabarijaona 2016 pers. obs.). The later two observations from iNaturalist and one collection (Jardin Botanique Tananarive 1405) without accurate locality information were not taken into account for this assessment. Two collections (Antilahimena 5310 and Fischer et al. 1037), representing two occurrences, have been collected within the footprint of mining project that has undergone and is undergoing intense human pressure from forest clearing, and should now be considered as extirpated. In addition to the later collections, one collection (Ratolojanahary 135) representing one occurrence has been made slightly at the limit in the conservation zone surrounding the footprint of the mining project, which should be also considered as extirpated due to the impact of the mining project. The four other collections represent four existing occurrences and three subpopulations. One collection (Fischer 4637) has been recorded in the Analamay-Mantadia Forest Corridor (CFAM) which should be subject to protection in the near future. Three collections representing three occurrences have been recorded within two protected areas. Despite their presence in these protected areas, they are also threatened by illegal logging and wood harvesting for small-scale subsistence. The species is thus known from four existing and three extirpated occurrences.

The extent of occurrence (EOO) of the species is estimated to be 792 km² (within the limits for Critically Endangered status under criterion B1) whereas its minimal area of occupancy (AOO) is estimated at 12 km² (within the limits for Endangered status under the criterion B2). The four existing occurrences represent a total of three locations (sensu IUCN 2022) with respect to the most serious plausible threat, forest clearing due to mining activities. We inferred that this situation lead or will lead to a continuing decline in the AOO, the habitat quality, the number of subpopulations, and the number of mature individuals of the species. Therefore, B. insolitum is assigned as status of Endangered; EN B1ab(ii,iii,iv,v)+ B2ab(ii,iii,iv,v).

Bulbophyllum insolitum is endemic to Madagascar, where it occurs in three Regions: Alaotra-Mangoro (Ambatovy, Analamay and road to Lakato) in the formerly recognized Province of Toamasina, Ihorombe (Vondrozo) in the formerly recognized Province of Fianarantsoa and Sava (Sambava area) in the formerly recognized Province of Antsiranana (Madagascar Catalogue 2022).

The population of Bulbophyllum insolitum is currently thought to be decreasing since its habitat is threatened by forest destruction due to mining activities and by forest degradation due to illegal selective logging and timber harvesting for small-scale subsistence. The number of mature individuals of the species is not known and cannot be estimated since the species is an epiphytic plant. There is no quantitative information on population sizes or trends of the species, but it is reported to be rare in the field (Bosser and Lecoufle 2011).

This orchid is an epiphytic herb growing in humid and subhumid forests at low and mid-elevation of c. 588–1,147 m (Madagascar Catalogue 2022).

Three occurrences are located within two protected areas: the Ankeniheny-Zahamena Corridor Natural Resources Reserve (Main parcel) and the Ambositra-Vondrozo forest corridor Protected Harmonious Landscape. One occurrence has been recorded in the Analamay-Mantadia Forest Corridor (CFAM) which would be subject to protection in the near future. Despite their presence in these protected areas, they are subject to illegal logging and wood harvesting for small-scale subsistence. Two occurrences (Antilahimena 5310 and Fischer et al. 1037) have been collected within the footprint of the mining project that has undergone and is undergoing intense human pressure from forest clearing, and should now be considered as extirpated. In addition to these later occurrences, one occurrence (Ratolojanahary 135) has been made slightly at the limit in the conservation zone surrounding the footprint of the mining project, which should be also considered as extirpated due to the impact of the mining project. All of these activities have resulted or will result in continuing declines in the AOO, the habitat quality of the species, the number of subpopulations, and the number of mature individuals.

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

Three occurrences of Bulbophyllum insolitum have been recorded from two protected areas: the Ankeniheny Zahamena corridor (CAZ - Main parcel) Natural Resources Reserve and the Ambositra-Vondrozo forest corridor Protected Harmonious Landscape. One collection (one occurrence) of this species has also been made in the Analamay-Mantadia Forest Corridor (CFAM) which would 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 also brought to cultivation at Antananarivo shade house and seeds are already banked there. It should be included in the list of Malagasy protected species. Micro-propagation must be developed for the species. Further awareness building is recommended for local communities and national authorities.