Conservation
Recently we estimated that of the 42 species of Rafflesia known
to science, most are now severely threatened with extinction, yet just
one is listed by IUCN. We estimated 60% of Rafflesia species
face a severe risk of extinction (CR), and at least 67% of known
habitats fall outside protected areas, exacerbating their vulnerability
(Malabrigo et al . 2023). Rafflesia balatociana is no
exception. In a campaign of fieldwork carried out by the authors in the
Cordillera Mountains, and in consultation with Indigenous Peoples, we
were only able to identify seven sites for R. balatociana in an
area of c. 11 ha., comprising fewer than 50 individuals. Although there
was no evidence of logging or biological resource extraction within the
locality, the municipality of Pasil has lost around 13.7 ha of primary
forests (GFW 2023). Accessibility to the locality is difficult,
requiring an arduous trek; hence, disturbance due to anthropogenic
activities is unlikely.
Taken together, we propose the species be assessed as Critically
Endangered [CR B1ac(ii,iv)+2ac(ii,iv); C2a(i)b; D] following the
IUCN Criteria and Categories. The species’ occurrence falls outside the
Banao Protected Landscape. We recommend the local area should be
declared as either a Critical Habitat Area (CHA) or a Local Conservation
Area (LCA). Beyond in situ conservation (the single best measure
of protection), a multi-pronged approach to Rafflesiaconservation has been suggested, incorporating: (i) action devolved to
local communities and awareness campaigns linked to social media
networks, with ecotourism where appropriate, (ii) strengthened taxonomy
to inform priority-setting, and (iv) judicious and sustainable ex
situ propagation (Malabrigo et al . 2023).