Assessment of the Geographical Distribution and In Situ Conservation of Orchidaceae in Tazekka National Park (Morocco): A Key to Forest Ecosystem Sustainability and the Sustainable Use of Natural Resources

Tazekka National Park, located in the northern Middle Atlas of Morocco, is an important area for biodiversity conservation. In this context, orchids represent an indicator group for assessing plant diversity and in situ conservation. This study aims to characterize the taxonomic diversity and geographical distribution of orchids across different habitats within the study area, while examining the main environmental factors and pressures that may influence their in situ conservation. Targeted samplings were conducted between March and July 2026, resulting in 134 vegetation samplings, 71 of which recorded the presence of orchids. A total of 15 taxa belonging to nine genera were recorded, comprising 1,017 individuals. Holm oak forests were identified as the most favorable habitats for orchids, with high concentrations of individuals in wetlands. However, orchids are threatened by wildfires, grazing, wetland drainage, and/or water abstraction. These findings highlight the need to integrate orchids conservation into a broader framework for sustainable habitat management. Priority measures include protecting wetland habitats, reducing anthropogenic disturbances, preventing wildfires, and regularly monitoring orchid populations. Such measures could help strengthen the resilience of forest ecosystems in Tazekka National Park while supporting biodiversity conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources.