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).