A new orchid species, named *Telipogon yanesha*, has been discovered in the montane forests of Peru's Oxapampa-Asháninka-Yanesha Biosphere Reserve. This delicate botanical find was located in the Pasco region, specifically on the upper branches of *Miconia calophylla* trees at altitudes ranging from 300 to 4500 meters.
The official scientific description of *Telipogon yanesha* was published on September 30, 2020, in the journal *Phytotaxa* by researchers Luis Valenzuela-Gamarra and William Nauray-Huari. This discovery enhances Peru's already significant orchid diversity, bringing the total number of recognized *Telipogon* species in the country to twelve. The Oxapampa-Asháninka-Yanesha Biosphere Reserve, established in 2010, spans over 1.8 million hectares and encompasses a wide altitudinal range, supporting an estimated 5,000 plant species, including 600 types of orchids.
The naming of *Telipogon yanesha* is a tribute to the indigenous Yanesha people, the ancestral inhabitants of the region, acknowledging their profound knowledge of the local flora and fauna. This finding underscores the importance of continued scientific exploration and the critical need for conservation efforts within protected areas like the Oxapampa-Asháninka-Yanesha Biosphere Reserve. The reserve is home to diverse indigenous groups, including the Yanesha, Asháninka, and Ashéninka, alongside other communities, fostering a unique cultural mosaic and promoting sustainable resource management.
Peru is globally recognized for its rich orchid diversity, with estimates suggesting over 3,000 species, many of which are endemic. Threats such as habitat destruction and illegal trafficking highlight the vital role of protected areas in conserving these species. The discovery of *Telipogon yanesha* serves as a reminder of the undiscovered natural wonders and the imperative to safeguard these precious ecosystems.