An assessment of conservation alternatives of Laelia albida (Orchidaceae) in Zapotitlan Salinas,Puebla, through the Mexican Wild Species Extinction Risk Evaluation Method (MER): Culture and uses of the biological resource

Defining conservation-liable species is one of the main issues that conservation biology faces. Elucidating species selection criteria through institutional regulations and management system settlement are among the challenges that correct biodiversity use presents. In this work, we evaluate a Laelia albida (“white little nun”) orchid population, in the Zapotitlán Salinas Valley, Mexico, through the Mexican Wild Species Extinction Risk Evaluation Method (MER) criteria in order to obtain data that could support the proposal of its being included in a Mexican official norm. On the other hand, we present experiences that help establish other alternatives, which include ex situ and in situ conservation, as well as the inhabitants instruction for the integral development of the resource, specially because this is an ethnobotanically important species embedded in the valley inhabitants cultural life. L. albida is one of the characteristic elements of the “Día de Muertos” festivities altars, a worldwide recognized traditional religious celebration, and one of the most rooted among the Mexican mestizo population.