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New Rafflesia species in the Philippines

Category: Articles
Date Posted: 2005-12-29

PPSG Team Visits Site of a probable new Rafflesia species in the Philippines

Acting on a recent report of a Rafflesia species occuring in Panay Island, Dr. D.A. Madulid and his team surveyed Antique province in April 2002 to assess the conservation status of this species. The species, which is reported to be one of the "biggest flowers in the world", occurs at different stages of its life cycle in Sibalom Natural Park, San Remigio, and in the southern to the central parts of Antique as well as western Iloilo. It was also reported to be found in Mt. Madi-as and Mt. Baloi.

The species is about 40-75 cm in diameter with a wart pattern similar to R. keithii and ramenta structure similar to R. patma. It is however distinct from these two species based on the absence of white spots on the inner surface of the diaphragm.

The species was first reported by The Antique Outdoors, Inc. in July 2001. Its identification as a Rafflesia species was then confirmed by Haribon Foundation in October 2001. The Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of the Sibalom Natural Park initiated an information campaign and survey of the species within the park in February 2002. The PAMB, which is composed of representatives of the provincial, local (municipal to barangay level) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources will integrate conservation measures in the management plans of the park.

Antique is one of the four provinces of Panay Island in the Western Visayas Region of the Philippines. It cradles a mountain system which includes Mt. Porras, Mt. Madi-as, Mt. Baloi, Mt. Nangtud, and Mt. Madiac.