Conservation and Research - Researchers
Flora Conservation Department
Flora Conservation Department
Fauna Conservation Flora Conservation Conservation by Site Ecological Advisory Programme Collaborative Research in KFBG’s Nature Reserve Researchers Facilities

Dr. Stephan W. Gale

Head of Department

Flora Conservation Department

Stephan joined KFBG in 2009, spearheading the conservation of orchids both in and ex-situ in Hong Kong, South China and the wider Indo-Burma region. His research and integrated approach to conservation have led to the successful reintroduction of rare plants and improved understanding of the threats they face in the wild, including genetic erosion, poaching and illegal trade. He has conducted fieldwork throughout Asia, is active in ecological restoration and is a member of the IUCN-SSC Orchid Specialist Group.

Projects:

  • Red Listing of Hong Kong Orchids
  • Ecology and Conservation of Bulbophyllum bicolor in Hong Kong
  • Prioritising Orchids for Conservation based on Phylogenetic History and Extinction Risk
  • Taxonomy and Ecology of Indo-Burma Orchids and Other Plants
  • Dynamics of Reintroduced Tropical Orchids
  • Ecology and Conservation of Phalaenopsis pulcherrima in Hainan
  • Developing an Orchid Conservation Strategy for Lao PDR
  • Confronting the Wild Orchid Trade in Indo-Burma

Selected publications:

Hu, A.-Q., Gale, S.W., Liu, Z.-J., Suddee, S., Hsu, T.-C., Fischer, G.A., Saunders, R.M.K. 2020. Molecular phylogenetics and floral evolution of the Cirrhopetalum alliance (Bulbophyllum, Orchidaceae): evolutionary transitions and phylogenetic signal variation. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 143: 106689.

Gale, S.W., Kumar, P., Hinsley, A., Cheuk, M.L., Gao, J., Liu, H., Liu, Z.-L., Williams, S.J. 2019. Quantifying the trade in wild-collected ornamental orchids in South China: diversity, volume and value gradients underscore the primacy of supply. Biological Conservation 238: 108204.

Williams, S.J., Gale, S.W., Hinsley, A., Gao, J., St. John, F.A.V. 2018. Using consumer preferences to characterize the trade of wild-collected ornamental orchids in China. Conservation Letters 11: e12569.

Gale, S.W., Fischer, G.A., Cribb, P.J., Fay, M.F. 2018. Orchid conservation: bridging the gap between science and practice. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 186: 425–434.

Gale, S.W., Duangjai, S., Li, J.H., Ito, Y., Watthana, S., Termwutthipreecha, P., Cheuk, M.L., Suddee, S. 2018. Integrative analyses of Nervilia (Orchidaceae) section Linervia reveal further undescribed cryptic diversity in Thailand. Systematics & Biodiversity 16: 377–396.