South Cotabato, September 23, 2024 – In a significant discovery for conservation efforts, four Rafflesia verrucosa, a critically endangered species endemic to the Philippines, were recently spotted in the Mount Matutum Protected Landscape (MMPL). The sighting, made by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 12’s Biodiversity Monitoring System (BMS) team during a four-day activity, highlights the importance of preserving the biodiversity within this protected area.
The monitoring took place in Barangay Kablon, Tupi, South Cotabato, where the team identified one Rafflesia bud and one partially opened flower at an altitude of 1,553 meters above sea level. The partially opened flower, found in Sitio Datal Ngisi, measured 28 cm in circumference and 11.43 cm in height. Two additional Rafflesia buds were later discovered within the Biodiversity Monitoring System transect area at Sitio Glandang, also in Barangay Kablon.
This discovery holds particular significance due to the rarity of Rafflesia verrucosa, a species listed as critically endangered under DENR Administrative Order No. 2017-11, “Updated List of Threatened Philippine Plants and Their Categories.” The presence of this rare flower serves as a reminder of the vital importance of conservation efforts in maintaining the integrity of Mount Matutum’s ecosystem.
Conservation Efforts in the MMPL
Atty. Felix S. Alicer, Regional Executive Director (RED) of DENR 12, emphasized that the sighting of the Rafflesia verrucosa within MMPL signals the success of ongoing conservation initiatives in the area. He stressed the need to continue these efforts to ensure the survival of both the plant and the broader biodiversity within the region.
“The sightings of Rafflesia verrucosa at the Mount Matutum Protected Landscape indicate that the biodiversity and ecosystem remain intact,” RED Alicer said. “It’s essential that the protection and conservation efforts for this rare plant, and for all species within the MMPL, be sustained.”
The Importance of Mount Matutum Protected Landscape
Mount Matutum, a prominent landmark in South Cotabato, is recognized as a protected area due to its rich biodiversity and ecological significance. It is home to numerous rare and endemic species, making it a key focus of conservation efforts. The area provides a critical habitat not only for the Rafflesia verrucosa but also for various flora and fauna that rely on the preservation of its delicate ecosystem.
The discovery of these rare flowers within MMPL underscores the area’s status as a biodiversity hotspot and the ongoing challenges it faces, including deforestation, land conversion, and human encroachment. Protecting the area is crucial for the survival of endangered species and the long-term health of the ecosystem.
The Role of Biodiversity Monitoring
The BMS team conducts biodiversity monitoring in the MMPL twice a year to track species presence, address potential threats, and recommend targeted actions to preserve the area’s natural resources. This recent Rafflesia sighting offers a valuable opportunity for scientists and conservationists to gather critical data on the plant’s growth, habitat conditions, and other ecological factors.
Follow-up monitoring is planned to observe the full bloom of the Rafflesia buds and gather further insights into the species’ life cycle. The BMS team’s ongoing efforts play an essential role in identifying conservation priorities and informing future policies to protect the area.
Preserving the Future of Mount Matutum
Mount Matutum’s protected landscape offers more than just a haven for rare species like Rafflesia verrucosa—it serves as a critical natural resource for local communities, providing water, air quality regulation, and climate resilience. Efforts to preserve its biodiversity are vital, not just for environmental health but also for the well-being of the people who rely on the mountain’s ecosystem services.
As the MMPL continues to face pressures from development and environmental degradation, the recent discovery of the Rafflesia verrucosa serves as a poignant reminder of the fragile balance between human activity and nature. Local communities, government agencies, and environmental groups must work together to ensure the long-term preservation of this unique and vital landscape.
The sightings of this critically endangered species are a testament to the importance of Mount Matutum’s preservation, reminding us all that continued vigilance and proactive conservation efforts are necessary to maintain the integrity of the Philippines’ natural heritage.
