Bulbophyllum ankaizinense, an epiphytic orchid endemic to Madagascar, is known from humid forests between 600 and 2,000 m elevation.

The species is recorded from 33 collections made between 1908 and 2016, representing 28 occurrences among which five were made in five protected areas: Andohahela National Park, the Protected Harmonious Landscape of the Anjozorobe-Angavo Complex, Ivohibe Pic Special Reserve, Marojejy National Park, and Tsaratanana National Park. In addition to these legally protected sites, twenty-four collections representing 19 occurrences were made within the footprint of a mining project that has undergone and is undergoing an intense human pressure from forest clearing, and should now be considered as extirpated. Moreover, one occurrence (Sieder 3174 from Ambalamanakana) is facing forest clearing due to shifting agriculture and forest degradation due to small scale agriculture, along with wood harvesting for subsistence, and should be also considered as extirpated. Another occurrence (Perrier 18326 from Ambodinifody) should likewise be considered as extirpated or as likely to be extirpated in the near future due to the presence of a Eucalyptus plantation, small scale agriculture, and charcoal production, contributing to a projected decline in AOO from 64 km² in 2000 to 28 km² in 2030. The species is thus known from 33 collections representing seven existing and 21 extirpated occurrences. These seven existing occurrences represent a total of seven locations (sensu IUCN 2019) with respect to the most serious plausible threat, forest clearing due to mining activities, although the species is also facing forest degradation due to small scale logging, wood harvesting for subsistence agriculture, forest conversion to Eucalyptus plantations, charcoal production, and fire.

The extent of occurrence (EOO) of Bulbophyllum ankaizinensis is calculated as 91,769 km² (far exceeding the upper limit for vulnerable status under criterion B1) whereas its area of occupancy (AOO) is estimated at 28 km² (falling within the thresholds for Endangered status under criterion B2). It is inferred that the loss of the occurrences on the mine footprint, at Ambalamanakana, and at Ambodinofody has induced significant continuing decline in AOO, habitat extent and quality, the number of locations, and mature individuals. Bulbophyllum ankaizinense would be assigned a Vulnerable status [B2ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v)] under criterion B. However, it is also inferred that a population reduction of 56 %, based on a reduction of the AOO, using a 2 × 2 km cell size, from 64 km² in 2000 to 28 km² in 2030, due to the loss of 21 of the 28 occurrences [nineteen occurrences on the mine footprint, one occurrence (Sieder 3174) at Ambalamanakana, and one (Perrier 18326) at Ambodinifody] measured over three generations (2000–2030). The cause of the reduction, forest clearing due to mining activities, Eucalyptus plantation, and forest degradation due to charcoal production and small scale agriculture, may not have ceased and may not be reversible based on the decline in the area of occupancy, which is under the threshold of Endangered status under criterion A4c. The species is thus assessed under criterion A as EN A4c.

Bulbophyllum ankaizinense, an epiphytic orchid endemic to Madagascar, is known from eight Regions: Alaotra-Mangoro (Ambatovy), Amoron’i Mania (Ambalamanakana and Col de Tapia), Ihorombe (Pic d’Ivohibe), Analamanga (Ambodinifody),  Anosy (Andohahela), Diana (Tsaratanana), Sava (Marojejy), and Sofia (Ankaizina), in humid forests (Madagascar Catalogue 2021).

The population of Bulbophyllum ankaizinense is currently thought to be decreasing since 19 occurrences on the mine footprint have been extirpated as well as two occurrences in unprotected forests. The number of mature individuals cannot be estimated since the species is an epiphyte growing on lower branches of trees in humid forests.

The species is an epiphytic herb growing on lower branches of trees in humid and subhumid forests, montane shrubland, and on inselbergs and rock faces. Occurs between 600 and 2,000 m elevation.

The species is threatened by forest clearing due to mining activities, forest degradation due to small scale agriculture and logging, and wood harvesting for subsistence, forest conversion to Eucalyptus plantations, charcoal production, and fire.

There are no reported uses of this species, but it may be sought after by specialist collectors.

Five occurrences of the species are situated within five protected areas: Andohahela National Park, the Protected Harmonious Landscape of the Anjozorobe-Angavo Complex, Ivohibe Pic Special Reserve, Marojejy National Park, and Tsaratanana National Park. The species is also currently placed on Appendix II of CITES and should be moved to Annex I. Ex situ conservation is recommended (micro-propagation, seed banking and living collections). Bulbophyllum ankaizinense should be included in the list of Malagasy protected species. Further awareness building is recommended for local communities and national authorities.