In a remarkable find, four specimens of the critically endangered Rafflesia verrucosa, a species native to the Philippines, were recently spotted by the Biodiversity Monitoring System (BMS) team from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 12. The discovery took place during a four-day monitoring activity in Barangay Kablon, Tupi, South Cotabato, within the Mount Matutum Protected Landscape (MMPL) on September 23, 2024.
Among the notable sightings were one Rafflesia bud and a partially opened bloom located at an altitude of 1,553 meters above sea level (masl) at Sitio Datal Ngisi. The partially opened flower measured 28 cm in circumference and stood 11.43 cm tall. Additionally, two more Rafflesia buds were recorded within the BMS transect area at Sitio Glandang, also within Barangay Kablon.
The Rafflesia verrucosa is classified as critically endangered under the Updated List of Threatened Philippine Plants (DAO 2017-11), underscoring its rare status and the importance of ongoing conservation efforts.
DENR Regional Executive Director Atty. Felix S. Alicer emphasized the significance of the discovery. “The sightings of Rafflesia verrucosa within the MMPL reflect the health and resilience of the ecosystem in the area. This discovery reaffirms the necessity of sustained conservation efforts to protect this fragile biodiversity.”
To further understand and protect this unique species, the MMPL-BMS team is set to return for follow-up monitoring to observe the Rafflesia’s full bloom. Conducted twice a year, the BMS allows experts to track biodiversity trends in the protected landscape, mitigate potential threats, and devise strategies to ensure the survival of critical species like the Rafflesia verrucosa.
Post a Comment
Comments Here